FALL 2021 | VOL. 11 / ISSUE 4 PANAMACITY.ORG
PANAMA CITY CRAYFISH ARE HERE TO STAY
T H E VO I C E O F B U S I N E S S F R O M T H E B AY C O U N T Y C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
INDUSTRY APPRECIATION CELEBRATION RECAP
Inpatient 24-7 Emergency Services Outpatient Half Day- Intensive Outpatient Program for Adolescents and Adults Full day- Partial Hospitalization Program for Adults 850-763-0017 1940 Harrison Ave, Panama City, 32405 Emeraldcoastbehavioral.com
fall 2021
departments 4
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
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POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE Panama City Crayfish Are Here To Stay
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DEFENSE INTEL Tyndall 2.0 Building Momentum, Providing Opportunities
10 HEALTH Exercise is Medicine: What To Do and What To Eat
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14 EDUCATION Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy 20 TECHNOLOGY Technology In Business 24
ECONOMIC PROFILE
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WORKFORCE CONNECTION
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BAY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS MEMBER TO KNOW
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BIZ LIST
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NEW MEMBERS
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MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
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features 18
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COVER STORY Mexico Beach Bounces Back: Rebuilding An Unforgettable Coast
28 INDUSTRY APPRECIATION CELEBRATION RECAP
The Bay Biz is published quarterly by the Bay County Chamber of Commerce. POSTMASTER send address changes to: Bay County Chamber, PO Box 1850, Panama City, FL 32402 or email information@baychamberfl.com. The Bay Biz welcomes story ideas from its readers. To have your story added, please email information@baychamberfl.com. To request additional copies, call 850-785-5206.
PUBLISHER Carol Roberts
ART DIRECTION, LAYOUT, AND DESIGN
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Carol Roberts CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carol Roberts, Kim Bodine (CareerSource Gulf Coast), Melissa Lupton, Ben Barksdale (Florida Youth Challenge Academy), Dr. Matthew Fischer, Liz Hunt (Anytime Fitness – Callaway), Mark Sheldon (PCB Entertainment), Ben Moorman (Bay EDA), Tom Neubauer (Bay Defense Alliance) CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Bay County Chamber, City of Mexico Beach, Anytime Fitness, PCB Entertainment, Florida Youth Challenge Academy, Bay Defense Alliance, CareerSource Gulf Coast and the U.S. Air Force
COVER Mexico Beach, FL BAY BIZ MAGAZINE c/o Bay County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 1850 Panama City, FL 32402 850-785-5206 panamacity.org | information@baychamberfl.com
BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
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It’s hard to believe we’re already starting to transition to 2022. Under the leadership of Chris Moore, our Chairman of the Board we’ve had yet another amazing year addressing issues of concern, doing our part to grow Bay County and providing our members a business friendly environment. Of course, we had our challenges earlier in the year with COVID-19 restrictions affecting events, meetings and office operations, but
Top of mind to me is the groundbreaking of the Hotel Indigo that we've advocated for many years. In addition, we celebrated the opening of the new Destination Panama City Visitor's Center, thanks to the Bay County Chamber's Panama City Bed Tax Campaign, and Tyndall Air Force Base's announcement that the rebuilding of the base is now fully funded. We were able to extend the contract with NextSite to continue working to bring retail and commercial businesses back to the east side of the Hathaway Bridge. We were also able to raise $20 thousand to provide hot meals to hospital employees, giving them a taste of Bay County. Planning is underway for a nation-wide workforce recruitment effort to bring more workers back to Bay County. Finally, Tourism Appeciation Month was a huge success, along with Industry Appreciation Month activities and so much more.
we adjusted and provided a safe environment at all levels. The first
Garrett Anderson, our incoming 2022 Chairman of the Board is
major event to be affected was the Annual Dinner that is typically
ramping up for his year as the board nominating committee pro-
held in January, but was moved to June. This, of course affected
cess has taken place. There are now six new board members that
the official passing of the gavel between Chairmen but we didn’t
will be serving three-year terms and three Chairman’s appoint-
let that slow us down. The event ended up being an amazing eve-
ments are in place. An orientation for those new board members is
ning recognizing our outgoing Chairman, Andrew Rowell; Lauren Merriam recipient, Jorge Gonzalez; members of the year, Julie McConnell and Scott Jackson and MAC Chairman, Will Cramer. First Friday was, of course, adjusted to starting with only virtual access, growing to a 50 person limit with virtual access, then 100 with Facebook Live and Zoom, and now fully open with virtual opportunities. Committee meetings were pretty much, and still are, being conducted with virtual opportunities available. Business must go on and apparently, we’re going to have to adapt to this new way of doing business. Life is all about changes.
scheduled for this month, and the planning session will take place on November 4th where we will set our goals for 2022. In this issue we have some great stories, and I hope you’ll take a moment to enjoy some of the good reads. One especially close to me is the Education story on Florida Youth Challenge Academy (FLYCA). Parents need to know they have affordable options for your at-risk kids. As we wrap up 2021, we must pause and remember the lives lost to COVID-19 in Bay County and worldwide. Although it’s a controversial subject, I stand by my opinion and encourage everyone to please consider vaccination and to help the spread of this horrible disease. Let’s do our part to ease the load on our healthcare industry. We thank especially our business community, for standing by us and continuing its support of this great organization. Not only for the financial support but for the hundreds of thousands of hours that our board, committees and members commit to the betterment of Bay County. Thank you all!
Carol A. Roberts President/CEO
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BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
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political perspective Panama City Crayfish Are Here To Stay by: Melissa Lupton, VP of Governmental/Military Affairs
Y
ou just thought you had heard the last of this 2-inchlong crustacean, but these little guys aren’t quite done stirring the pot in Bay County and no, we’re not talking
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission issues permits at this level on the basis the action will not be detrimental to the survival potential of the species.
gumbo. Many can remember the Panama City Crayfish (PCC) issue
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surfacing throughout the years, but the battle continues. For three
However, in 2006, a biological status review recommended a
years, the Chamber has held a position opposing the listing of the
reclassification for the PCC. Attempts were made to list the
PCC as threatened on the endangered species list. Let’s dive into
species as Threatened due to its limited geographic distribution
where we started, where we are today, and what could possibly
and continuing decline. This listing action sat idle for several years
come.
as officials worked to revise the listing process. Completed in
State Status
2010, the newly revised listing process phased out the SSC status
Rediscovered in 1986, the Panama City crayfish was thought to be
met the criteria. Draft management plans were developed for this
extinct. A year later, conservation efforts resulted in it becoming a
species in 2016, but have yet to be finalized. Once management
state listed Species of Special Concern (SSC). This listing brought
practices are approved, the listing status of Threatened, along with
some protections, created public awareness campaigns, and
new regulations and permitting requirements, will be in full force
generated guidelines to help conserve the species and its habitat.
and effect.
BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
and proposed to up list all species to a Threatened status if they
Federal Status The PCC was not on the federal worklist until 2010 when the Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to list 404 aquatic, riparian, and wetland species in the Southeastern region under the Endangered Species Act. The PCC was one of the species petitioned and studies ensued. The Center for Biological Diversity again filed a complaint in 2015 stating the Service had not completed a 12-month finding in the timeframe required by law. The Service entered into a court-approved settlement agreement stating the 12-month finding would be completed and submitted by September 2017, later extended to December 2017. As part of this process, comments were accepted to the Federal Register from January to March 2018. According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife, final determinations are largely driven by the number and types of comments the agency receives during the public comment period. Consideration given to comments based on biological or commercial data. A final listing status was anticipated before the end of 2018. At the time of the January 3, 2018 proposal, critical habitat was not determinable because the Service had not completed
managed in perpetuity, for conservation. According to a cost
the necessary analysis. With the critical habitat analysis and draft
assessment analysis prepared by the Center for Economic Fore-
economics analysis complete, the Service reopened the proposed
casting and Analyses at Florida State University in 2018, the cost
listing for public comment, along with a proposed 4(d) rule and
for this acreage would be approximately $20 million. This does not
critical habitat designation from April 2021 to June 2021.
include recurring costs to manage the lands.
Impacts/Identified Threats
The state has allocated $4 million to assist in purchasing the nec-
Federal protections would restrict and result in expenses associated with mitigating loss of habitat. These additional costs are generally passed on to taxpayers on all levels of government-funded projects, resulting in lessened services or additional taxes as mitigation expenses drive up the cost of project plans. There are several approved infrastructure developments and roadway expansions (widening of Star Avenue, Kern Avenue, Tram Road) that are planned for construction. These are expected to affect several crayfish sites. The type of impact and the amount of land involved will determine whether on-site or off-site mitigation or payment into the PC Crayfish Conservation Fund would apply. Activities that result in the loss of population include development, silviculture (timber cultivation), bait, off-road vehicle use,
essary land for conservation, however appraisals of said acreage are still underway. The Service has proposed a 4(d) rule which focuses on specific conservation efforts such as prohibiting the following activities, except as otherwise authorized or permitted: importing or exporting; take possession and other acts with unlawfully taken specimens; delivering, receiving, transporting, or shipping in interstate or foreign commerce in the course of commercial activity; or selling or offering for sale in interstate or foreign commerce. The proposed 4(d) rule would also provide for the conservation of the species by allowing exceptions to actions and activities that may have minimal disturbance to the Panama City Crayfish and are not expected to impact the species conservation and recovery ef-
and drought. Infrastructure improvements remove specific soil and
forts negatively. The proposed exceptions to these prohibitions in-
vegetation requirements; and can isolate populations. Off-road
clude conservation efforts by the Service or state wildlife agencies,
vehicles may rut and crush. Silviculture practices can affect PCC
certain development practices, select land management activities,
habitat through ditching, bedding, and roller chopping. Several
and some utility actions expected to have negligible impacts on
crayfish sites are utilized by fishermen for harvesting bait.
the Panama City crayfish and its habitat.
Species Conservation
The Chamber continues to monitor any action regarding the
Currently, voluntary draft guidelines developed by the FWC can help guide development projects that may impact the PCC and its
species’ listing, and will continue our efforts to ensure it does not interrupt business in Bay County.
habitat, but these are not regulatory in nature. If the PCC were
For additional information regarding the listing, status visit the
to be federally listed, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would be
Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Docket
required to work to protect and recover it. Recovery means that the PCC would no longer need protection.
number FWS-R4-ES-2017-0061.
About 230 acres are in protection, however the U.S. Fish and Wildlife states that the PCC needs 2,200 acres in specific areas,
BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
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defense intel Tyndall 2.0 Building Momentum, Providing Opportunities by: Tom Neubauer, Bay Defense Alliance
T
he $5 billion rebuild of Tyndall Air Force Base, the “installation of the future” continues to be a leading topic of conversation across the Air Force and throughout
Wasserman Schultz, chair of the House Appropriations subcommittee on Military Construction. Following her visits to Tyndall and NSA-PC with Dr. Dunn, the rebuild effort became a bi-partisan
our community. Amazing progress has occurred since October
initiative. H.R. 268 (Supplemental appropriations act) was suc-
10, 2018, when the future of Tyndall was in question. In the days
cessfully placed on the calendar and approved on January 22, 2019.
and weeks that followed the storm, Tyndall was visited by senior
The legislation resulted in a $4.1 billion emergency supplemental
leaders from the Air Force, Congress and the administration. The
for Tyndall.
trust relationships built by the Bay Defense Alliance over nearly
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three decades offered opportunities for open communication with
The Air Force commitment to rebuild and legislation to provide
senior leaders in the Pentagon and on Capitol Hill. The decision
funding by Congress were just the beginning of a lengthy process.
of the Air Force to rebuild Tyndall AFB was strongly supported by
The National Environmental Policy Act would require a thorough
Florida’s congressional delegation and leadership at all levels. Dr.
environmental study to gather the information needed to influ-
Neal Dunn organized visits by key decision-makers, began working
ence a final Record of Decision or “ROD” for the bed down of F-35s
on an emergency supplemental immediately after the storm and
at Tyndall. The EIS process began with a public notice in the federal
helped author the legislation. Dr. Dunn reached out to Debbie
register in November 2019. A draft EIS was published for public
BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
Tyndall 2.0 will offer greater opportunities for future mission growth due to designs that improve resilience and accommodate capacity for next-generation weapons systems, which may depend on unfettered access to the range space needed for training airmen and testing weapons. In January 2018, the community celebrated the selection of Tyndall as the preferred location for a wing of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), including 24 MQ-9s. The strategic basing initiative was referred to as “RPA Base Y.” The capacity of our community to accommodate the RPA wing was confirmed in the environmental impact statement, which projected 1,900 adreview June 19, 2020 and the final ROD was signed and formalized
ditional personnel, plus 3,234 dependents of which 1,292 would be
by the Air Force in March 2021, a remarkably quick timeline for a
children. However, by June 2020, the Air Force decided to pursue
study of this size and scope.
a successor to the MQ-9 aircraft with enhanced strike, intelligence,
This unique rebuild process included three Industry Day events beginning in January 2019, where over 400 leaders at each event representing industry, academia and the federal government shared ideas, plans and updates on progress with the community. Additionally, Tyndall rebuild innovation exercises were hosted by AFWERX in Nevada, where Bay Defense Alliance members were afforded the opportunity to share and critique innovative ideas developed by experts in energy, smart technologies, acquisition, communications, resiliency and cybersecurity to help accelerate the rebuild of Tyndall.
surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Bay Defense Alliance members met with the Air Force leadership on November 16, 2020 to discuss the future of the Base Y initiative. Essentially, the Air Force confirmed a process underway to consider the next generation of unmanned systems, referred to notionally as MQ-X. For all the same reasons Tyndall was selected as the preferred location for RPA Base Y, there is a reasonable probability Tyndall would be considered the ideal location to host the next generation RPA as well. The plan is articulated by Lt. Gen David Nahom, Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs, who told a Senate subcommittee that the Air Force proposes to retire some ISR aircraft in order to
Questions from our community about the rapidly growing work-
invest in new capabilities. “We have to look to the future… even-
force, construction timeline, and additive missions were recently
tually, the Air Force intends to field a family of systems to replace
addressed in a presentation by 325th Fighter Wing Vice Command-
legacy ISR capabilities.” The Bay Defense Alliance will continue
er Colonel Christopher “Roller” Peters at the July 2021 Cham-
to track the selection process and any follow-on strategic basing
ber First Friday event. For those readers who have not had an
initiatives anticipated in the future.
opportunity to visit Tyndall in recent months, the demolition and new construction activity occurring behind the fence is impres-
Meanwhile, the F-22 Formal Training Unit has been fully operation-
sive. Colonel Peters presented a notional six-year rebuild timeline
al, however the aircrafts remain at Eglin AFB, while pilots continue
estimating the anticipated number of personnel, including con-
academics and simulator training at Tyndall. While the situation
tractors, military members, defense civilians and families expected
is not ideal, the 325th Fighter Wing has successfully continued its
to be working on the installation as the project nears completion
important mission of producing Raptor pilots. A successful EIS
in 2027. The anticipated construction workforce could approach
landed the F-22 FTU at Joint Base Langley- Eustis in Virginia. On
3,500 workers by mid-2024.
June 25, 2021, the Air Force published the March 2021 record of
Orchestrating the rebuild of an installation that will incorporate leading technologies, efficiencies and resilience requires innovative leadership. The Tyndall AFB rebuild is managed by the Tyndall Program Management Office (PMO). This office works hand-in-
decision to relocate the F-22 FTU and associated T-38 aircraft to Langley. The Air Force is awaiting the completion of a tactical air study launched by the USAF Chief of Staff early in 2021, before solidifying a timeline for planned force structure moves.
hand with the 325th fighter wing to reshape Tyndall into a model
Bottom line: The rebuild of Tyndall AFB continues to gain mo-
of sustainability, technology and adaptability for the Air Force
mentum. Structures have been removed and several of the 44
and the Department of Defense. The Tyndall PMO is part of the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) and the Air Force Installation/Management Support Center (AFIMSC.) The Tyndall PMO includes 50+ specialized personnel directing more than 40 military construction projects and 260 facility sustainment restoration and modernization projects. The Director of the Tyndall PMO, Colonel Travis Leighton, is responsible for the multi-year planning, programming, design and construction effort, also focused on the bed down of 72 operational F-35 aircraft, beginning in the fall of 2023. According to the environmental impact statement, three squadrons of F-35s will bring an estimated 2200 personnel plus approximately 2992 dependents, including 1496 children. Progress
new construction projects are underway. This $5 billion project creates tremendous opportunity for large and small businesses in our community. We can rest assured that Tyndall Air Force Base, Naval Support Activity and Coast Guard Station Panama City as well as the USCG Offshore Patrol Cutter personnel will continue to provide a vital contribution to national defense, while supporting 1/3 of the Bay County economy at a rate of $3.2 billion annually. In 2019 the Association of Defense Communities recognized Bay County as a Great American Defense Community with good reason. When we appreciate and support our military neighbors, we are supporting the defense of our nation.
milestones are being continually updated on the AFIMSC Tyndall Program Management Office website: https://www.afimsc.af.mil/ TyndallPMO/
BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
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health Exercise is Medicine: What To Do and What To Eat by: Dr. Matthew Fischer, DPT, FMS, CF-L1 and Liz Hunt, EP-C, MBA, Owner, Anytime Fitness Callaway
I
f you’ve ever heard these frustrating words, come out of your doctors’ mouth at a checkup visit, do not feel alone. Eating better and exercising are often prescribed by doc-
different from what our neighbor might need. You need people in
tors, but unfortunately there is no follow up. I can only imagine
as the individual. Throughout this article we’ll offer many ways on
a doctor’s reaction after a patient saying, “Well, how do I do that
how to do exactly that.
Doc?” Everyone knows they should be eating better and exercising more. It is not a secret. What we don’t know is how to do it. We don’t know the practical steps to take after the doctor recommends it…so we don’t. We need a simple blueprint to follow, much like studying for a drivers license test, but for operating our body
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your corner who specialize in these key areas. You need someone to treat you as the person you are and develop a plan based on you
It is widely accepted that your general physician is not trained on how to provide the follow up needed for you to start eating better and sticking to a consistent exercise routine. Primarily their job is to make sure you do not have something serious that you may
efficiently!
need further workup on or consultation with another specialist.
The problem with the doctor’s remarks is the advice is so vague
The medical professionals responsible for providing nutritional
it leaves the patient wondering “How do I eat better and what
guidance is a Registered Dietician (RD) or a Certified Nutrition
type of exercise should I be doing? Which brings up the second
Specialist (CNS). RD’s can specifically prescribe you nutritional
problem. Not one individual is like another. What works for one
therapy whereas CNS primarily work to form nutritious eating
person might not work for another person. We must be willing to
habits for those with underlying medical conditions. Both of these
accept the fact since we are different, we might need something
professionals can help guide you to make better eating habits
BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
They are not the experts on eating better and exercising more.
and choices when it comes to your nutrition. You should always
days, so you now know, you’re going to be committing to getting
consult your doctor or RD before beginning a new diet especially if
out to the park 3-4 days a week. That’s a great start right? But, are
you have underlying medical conditions.
we just walking, and if so, for how long?
On the other hand, the medical professional specifically designed
Most any exercise is better than none, but steady state “cardio” is
to guide you on exercise prescription is a Doctor of Physical
just that – steady state…but easy to progress. Create a scenario
Therapist (DPT) and Certified Personal Trainer (CPT). Although
for 2 weeks, 3-4 times a week, of walking for 1 minute and then
their titles and description may be similar, they do have different
increasing intensity for 30 seconds-1 minute, each minute on the
roles in your wellness program. DPT’s most often work with those
minute, for 10 minutes. Congratulate yourself at the end of those
recovering from an injury but can also be used to make sure your
10 minutes, instead of critiquing yourself for only completing 10
body is ready for the exercise you plan on doing. If an ache or a
minutes. Congratulate yourself at the end of your 2 week chal-
pain is preventing you from completing or starting an exercise
lenge, and continue the progression! Maybe for you, the progres-
routine, they are the professional you want to seek out. DPT’s are
sion is changing the cadence from 1 min walk/1 min brisk walk
also extensively trained on prescribing specific exercises designed
to 1 min walk/2 min brisk walk. Or perhaps you change to 1 min
to make your workouts safe and productive. To compliment the
walk/30 sec jog – whatever you decide, just make it a little more
DPT’s work, CPT’s are highly qualified to take you through an exer-
difficult than it was before and celebrate the constant progression.
cise routine you may not be familiar with. They are knowledgeable
Consider including functional type movement in lunges, squats,
on how to properly perform an exercise and design a program based specifically on your individual needs. Their main role is to
pushups and core work as sets in between the cardio movements.
guide you on how to reach whatever fitness goals you may have
Got a good handle on fitness, but not so much on nutrition? Hire a
and continue your progression from the DPT. There’s no shame in
Coach! At some point you have to have a transparent conversation
requesting a “tune up” from a DPT before starting an exercise plan
with yourself about why you eat what you eat and why you eat
from a CPT -this is truly your one stop shop to get you on the path
so much of it – or not enough in contrast. Determine exactly how
to success for that next doctors visit.
many calories you need from your physician or Body Composition
So…it’s been mere hours or maybe a day since you’ve left your doctor’s office, and you’re more determined than ever to follow through with his/her concerned advisement! We’re about to take a deeper dive into what you can do next to guarantee that follow through: Join a gym! Insurance programs have leapt and bounded into this decade by offering discount membership programs negotiated through their corporate workforce; ask your Human Resources rep if you qualify for one. Those of you subscribed into Flexible Spending Accounts or Health Savings Accounts may use those accounts for not just a gym membership, but personal training as well! If your physician prescribes exercise, he/she should draft a simple letter of medical necessity to submit back to your FSA/HAS for remit. Find a gym that hosts only Certified Personal Trainers; Some gyms unfortunately hire former athletes, who have no formal education in Exercise Science, which means they, most likely, won’t be able to create a custom exercise program based on your needs, Let the gym showcase their science by offering body composition analysis and macro based nutritional guidance. Research the gym to determine if they offer nutritional counseling (once again, only by a CNS) or offer a meal plan service (which usually is a partnership between gym and RD). Most gyms will offer guided exercise programs (even virtually) sure to keep you engaged, accountable, and well on your way of never having that doctor being all up in your business again! Not in the budget for a gym? No problem! We live in Florida, so all year-round outdoor fitness is highly obtainable. Find a park with great lighting, flat surface trails, and let’s get to moving! Remem-
Analysis, which derives your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) vs Body Mass Index (BMI). Don’t want to talk about your feelings? Hire a meal delivery service! Meal deliveries are convenient, integrity driven and plug and play; just simply include what your kCals should be, food likes/dislikes (allergies etc). Meal prep service not in the budget? That’s okay too! You can feed a family of 4 healthy food for under $30.00 a day, by understanding what “healthy” means. Put on your own investigative hat, and take control over your midsections! The internet will take you down some weird rabbit holes, so to avoid those, try and cite peer reviewed articles or published articles vs v-logs, support groups, etc. Nutrition is a very polluted space, so dial in on the facts you can control, which is your height, weight, BMR and if you’re working towards weight loss, gain, or maintain. Inventory your gear honestly. If your sneakers are 3-4 years old, they aren’t appropriate for starting a workout plan. If your sports bra is 3-4 years old, it’s not appropriate for exercise as well. We have this one chance to set ourselves up for success, so take it in by preventing common occurrences of foot and leg injuries by picking up the right pair of shoes for the type of workout you’re going to perform. Same premise with sports bras – without the appropriate support you could succumb to neck and shoulder issues that transport to lower back and hip pain. Your doctor most likely rescheduled his/her next visit with you 4-6 months from this appointment. That means, you have 4-6 months to make the change, make healthy happen for yourself and your family, and forge a lifestyle alteration surely meant to make our remaining years on this earth, active and amazing in all facets! Now you know where to start - so 3-2-1 let’s go!!
ber! We need this to be sustainable and enjoyable – let’s not make Day 1 be the same warm-up we did back in our high school football or cheerleading days! Set a tangible goal, and multiple that by 3
BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
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education Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy by: Ben Barksdale
D 14
uring the 1980's, the Rockefeller Foundation identified the need in our country to provide opportunities for young people working to overcome problems in
In July of 2001, the Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy (FLYCA) opened its doors at Camp Blanding in Starke, Florida for its first class. This program, initiated by the National Guard (hence the
their lives which included being high school dropouts. In 1991
capital NG in the name), sought to help young men and women
the Joint Armed Services Committee directed the National Guard
in Florida who were dropping out of school, finding themselves
to develop a plan to “Add value to America“, by providing values,
in trouble with the law, and losing their way. Now, 20 years later,
skills, education and self-discipline to young people incorporating
FLYCA has graduated over 5500 young men and women from
the structure and espirit de corps found in the military model. A
all over the State of Florida, remaining open and safe even in the
five-year ChalleNGe Pilot Program began operating in ten states in
midst of the pandemic. The Academy is completely tuition free
1993 under Public Law 102-484 and has since been embraced by
and is funded by a cooperative agreement between the State of
more than 29 states.
Florida (through the Department of Military Affairs, Department of
BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
Juvenile Justice and Department of Children and Families) and the Federal Government (through the Department of Defense and the National Guard Bureau). The Academy’s mission is to “empower at-risk youth to become successful, productive citizens…” by focusing on the whole student (or cadet) and not just their academic needs. While it is vital to have your education to succeed, so many necessary skills are a must to be able to deal with the daily pace of adulthood. FLYCA provides training on healthy living and nutrition, how to get a job and complete an interview, how to deal with conflict, registering to vote and the democratic process, how to be a good leader and follower, and other topics beyond the classroom. This training and the development of good daily habits from living on campus for 22 weeks helps to build a foundation to support cadets when they graduate from the residential phase of the program.
the comments are often the same. “FLYCA changed my life” and “I wouldn’t be the person I am today” are common. Graduates who completed the program years ago remember staff fondly, even as we are struggling to remember their name among the 5500 plus graduates. It is these successes that drive the staff to continue the mission, as difficult as it can be at times, to empower these young men and women to be the successful individuals they can’t yet imagine.
From the Editor/President of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce:
Beyond training the whole cadet, one of the key aspects that makes the ChalleNGe program unique is the focus on each cadet being matched with a mentor who will work with them for one year after they graduate from the Academy. While in residence, the cadets create a document of written goals called the Post-Residential Action Plan (or P-RAP for short). Both the cadet and their mentor use these after graduation to stay on track with goals and adapt when adversity comes their way when trying to reach those goals. This support after completing the program, with the help of the cadet’s case manager, allows graduates to break old habits and achieve success, especially returning home to the same environment they left before attending the Academy. The Florida Youth ChalleNGe Academy is unfortunately often considered one of Florida’s best-kept secrets. Even as the Academy celebrates its 20-year anniversary, many counties and school administrators don’t know about this resource right in their backyard. But while FLYCA may not be a common thought in the state, people will most certainly have run into a success story from the Academy and not even realized it. Graduates are everywhere throughout the state and beyond, working, going to school, serving in the military, buying homes, building families, sending their own children to school and living the successful life that many of them couldn’t picture before attending FLYCA. Staff are often privileged to run into graduates as we go about our business and
It is with great pride that we publish this story as I am an advocate for this program. My youngest granddaughter, Ashlyn, was struggling in public school and just didn’t fit the mold of the normal classroom environment. We were losing her quickly, but my daughter (her mother) kept pushing and looking for opportunities and came across this amazing program. I am proud to report that my granddaughter is thriving now and at the age of 17 has received her high school diploma and has landed a great job with the folks at SheltAir as she has a huge desire to obtain her pilot's license and pursue a career in aviation and/or the military. This is a complete about-face for this young lady, and I couldn’t be more proud! If you have a student that is at risk, there are options available and you can’t go wrong with this opportunity. The student has to want to make a change. You can’t MAKE them go and there is an application, interview and selection process in place. I cannot lie. It was a long five months not being able to physically touch and hug due to COVID as family days were not possible. They must earn their privileges of making phone and Facetime calls. We all wrote more letters than we had in a lifetime but it was all worth it to see our kid shine again! KUDOS to the staff at FLYCA and our State Legislature for continuing to support this worthwhile program.
BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
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BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
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BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
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BY: MELISSA LUPTON, VP OF GOVERNMENTAL/MILITARY AFFAIRS You may associate the two miles of sugar-white sand in Mexico
It all starts with community strength and enlightened leadership.
Beach as the “forgotten coast”, but I can assure you it is anything
The Mexico Beach City Government was not only facing the gruel-
but. On October 10, 2018, Hurricane Michael introduced himself to
ing task of rebuilding an entire city from the ground up, but doing
the beautiful community that is Bay County. He dragged his feet
so with a short supply of staff members. While small, this group
while making a destructive journey north, throwing the strongest
of staff members has proven themselves to be mighty. “What has
right hook the Gulf Coast has seen since Andrew paid his visit in
been accomplished since the storm is truly unbelievable and part
1992. Unfortunately, Mexico Beach and their neighbor to the west,
of what’s unbelievable is our staff. We only have 35 City employ-
Tyndall Air Force Base, took the brunt of that strong arm. I think I
ees. To do all of this work with only 35 people is incredible,” said
can speak for everyone who was affected when saying the word
City Manager, Mario Gisbert. Saying the city had to be rebuilt from
devastation cannot begin to describe the conditions Michael left
the ground up, was not just a figure of speech. The entire water
Bay County in.
and sewer system had to be reconstructed on top of addressing
Prior to Michael’s memorable visit, the quiet town of Mexico Beach was home to about 1,200 citizens, a majority of which being retirees, with a handful of shops and restaurants. On October 11,
18
the fact that 85% of buildings within the city were uninhabitable or simply nonexistent. Nonexistent by means of the structure eventually being located miles away from its original foundation.
2018, Mexico Beach was left with next to nothing. Looking at the
Over the past 3 years, there have been 251 new homes construct-
almost leveled community, I’m sure anyone who laid eyes on it
ed, 861 homes rehabilitated, and 22 newly constructed and/or
had to have the thought of “what do we do now?” If you answered
rehabilitated commercial buildings. City employees may not be
“rebuild the community back to the peaceful family-friendly city it
the ones turning the dirt, but they have certainly been feeling the
has always been, but with much stronger weather resiliency” then
effects of the massive uptick in construction projects from the
you would be correct. There are still many hurdles to overcome,
personal, public, and private sectors. Due to rebuilding efforts
however, Mexico Beach has certainly made noticeable headway on
and federal dollars, the City’s annual budget is now roughly 90%
its rebuild efforts.
larger than in years prior to the storm. The permitting and utility
BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
departments are processing nearly 2,400% more permits and
Starting from absolutely nothing more than an idea and seeing it
water hookups over a pre-storm year, and the city has noticed an
to fruition.” Managing an endeavor of this magnitude with such an
increased need for first responders. Gisbert certainly was not ex-
extensive timeline clearly isn’t easy, however it is made less chal-
aggerating when saying the progress that has been made is truly
lenging when accompanied by those who will step up to the plate
incredible.
and get the work done. With a staff dedicated to the comfort and
The light at the end of the tunnel is visible, but there is still much more work ahead. Plans are in the works to construct a new fire station and sheriff's office, as well as a new civic center. These facilities will be centrally located and farther inland than where they previously resided, reducing the chance of storm surge affecting the facilities. The location is key for the civic center as it will be the City’s first storm shelter to be available for citizens. Additional projects that are down the pipeline include the reconstruction of the City Marina, the reconstruction of Sunset Park, and the reconstruction of the City Pier and jetties. There are of course additional projects to improve existing infrastructure and better protect the community from future weather incidents. Patience is said to be a key element throughout the rebuild
prosperity of its community, contractors continuing to take on the jobs that may be a little out of their normal commutes, and neighboring community’s willingness to help when and where needed, it’s clear that this coast was never forgotten. So, if you have not already, take a trip to see the “new” Mexico Beach, make a pit stop at their brand-new Visitor’s Center and ask about all of the exciting events that are to come, grab a bite to eat while enjoying the view of their freshly planted local vegetation. Bring your family and enjoy one of their twelve new beach accesses for a relaxing day in the sun or maybe even enjoy a staycation at any one of the vacation rentals that are open for business. The buildings are new, but the spirit of the community remains the same on this unforgettable coast.
process. With that in mind, what motivates someone to keep the engine running? Gisbert stated “seeing something that was nothing more than 3 words on a piece of paper that says ‘Rebuild Sunset Park’ to look at the drawings of Sunset Park and a year from now being able to walk through Sunset Park. That’s the gift to me.
BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
19
technology Technology In Business by: Mark Sheldon, Managing Member/Chief Operations Officer, PCB Entertainment
I
n the past 10 years we have seen major changes in the festival business. Most people just think of the “experience” they are having at a music festival. Patrons want ease and
great vibes. As a festival owner, we strive to provide an amazing experience for our fans. Part of that experience is making the events user friendly, whether that is using a mobile app., cashless transactions, touchless entry, or free Wi-Fi. Beyond the fan experience, we use technology heavily on the operations side of the festival. Technology offers our team the ability to communicate and collaborate on several projects at any given moment. Using technology opens many facets to our festival, allowing for a more well-organized event, while keeping our staff and fans in constant communication. A company we are all familiar with, Google, which offers a suite of products called Google Docs Editors Suite. Our festival relies heavily on Google Sheets, Google Forms, Google Drive, etc. to perform our day-to-day tasks. We use Google Sheets
20
team and take the necessary steps towards bettering the festival and the fan experience. This not only leads to better organization and communication, but it provides a historical reference when working on the next year’s festival. Organizing an event of this magnitude requires a variety of essential technology. When marking the festival grounds for the location of the tents, stages, vendors, sponsors, etc., we use iPad devices with photos from previous years. These photos are created by using a professional drone that takes thousands of photos, and then stitches the photos into a single image using proprietary software. This type of image creates a fast and incredibly accurate reference from years past. Without these images or tablets, we would rely solely on blueprints, creating a more arduous build out of the festival grounds.
for our marketing content calendar, ticket tracking, marketing
Early on in our festival development, we partnered with a Mobile
stats, etc. Our team collaborates with one another within these
Application developer to build our festival mobile app. on both the
documents to build effective and detailed files. Using this method,
Apple and Google platforms. It is vital we formulate a plan for how
we are able to access the documents using any of our electronic
we want to utilize the mobile app to provide the best experience
devices, and work from anywhere that the internet is available.
for our fans. We take many things into consideration when devel-
Often when building the festival, our team will keep a working doc-
oping our mobile app. Safety is a crucial aspect of our mobile app.
ument for “Improvements” and following the close of the festival,
We can reach fans swiftly using Push Notifications in the event of
we will discuss the items as a team. From there, we can work as a
an emergency. Whether that be an evacuation due to lightning,
BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
or sharing information about our exits to better navigate our fans through the festival grounds. Clearing the festival grounds quickly, but orderly, provides a better experience to our fans. Working closely with our mobile app. developer, we are exploring our options to provide an online or mobile app. order-ahead system for our fans. This feature would allow them to order merchandise, drinks, etc., ahead of time and “skip the line”. It would provide us the opportunity to put our full menu of items available in front of them, rather than requiring them to make the walk to the vendors until their order is ready. Not only would this provide a much faster purchasing experience for our fans, but it would allow us to make a more accurate initial product order when deciding on things such as merchandise inventory or liquid inventory. We include exclusive content on the mobile app. to entice our fans to make the download before attending our festival. Our lineup, with artist performance times, is available exclusively on our mobile app. This helps our fans plan their vacation to beautiful Panama City Beach while confident they will not miss their favorite acts. We do this exclusively on the app, to give us the ability to directly communicate with them during the show. The festival map is uploaded closer to the event, when it is in its final stages of
One major aspect of all of this “on-site” technology is our Wi-Fi network. We mobilize and build a network designed for a city so we have hundreds of access points throughout the festival grounds. That is the way that all the RFID works at each location
design, so our fans can find their way around the festival grounds.
for purchases and access. This network is state of the art and trav-
Cashless transactions provide a safe, secure, and effortless way
possible experience without worrying about carrying cash around
to pay for goods at our festival. Offering cashless transactions has
with them.
received a positive reception from our fans. It begins when our fans receive their RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) wristband in the mail prior to the festival. Each wristband has an individual UID (Unique Identifier) number. When a wristband is registered, a prompt appears for the user to input their credit card information and a unique PIN of their choosing, to store on the RFID wristband. While making a purchase at the festival, the RFID chip in the wristband is placed on a designated area of our POS system, and the user then enters their unique PIN they set up when registering their wristband(s). Providing this to our fans allows them to attend our festival without the use of physical cards. We have seen a large reduction in credit cards being left in “Lost & Found,” and we believe it is due to the RFID wristbands. Utilizing RFID wristband(s) has provided us with numerous technological advantages over the standard cloth wristbands. Using RFID wristband(s), we offer touchless entry. At each entrance of our festival, we have pedestals that act as verification for entry into our festival. It removes the need for security to verify each wristband. Not only does this provide a more efficient experience when walking through our gates, it also provides important data we use for future planning. The data displays the number of wristbands scanned through a specific portal or access point during a specific time. Staffing is impacted by using this data, as it tells us what access points get busiest and when they need extra support. This goes for our food vendors, bars, merchandise tent, military appreciation tent, etc. If we know a certain access point scans more wristbands than a separate access point, we can place more staffing at the busier access point during certain shifts. This
els to events around the country each week to give fans the best
Technology is arguably one of the most significant aspects of the festival. So much so that our sponsors, and their activations, utilize technology in various ways while at our festival. Our sponsors use technology to build interactions and activations to draw our fans into their marketing area. From there, the sponsor can request contact information, if the fan expresses interest; or the sponsor could just simply promote their product. Moving forward, the sponsor could actively contact the fan to promote a special discount at their place of business, or company. This is an old practice, but technology has brought it to the forefront, allowing instant marketing to the prospective client/buyer. Today’s technology has allowed the festival world to grow in unimaginable ways. The direct contact with our fans in the event of an emergency has the potential of saving thousands of lives. Working away from our offices using the Google Docs Editor suite, yet still collaborating with the rest of the team has increased our efficiency. Initiating cashless transactions in this day and time is fundamental to providing a safe and clean environment. Our company has embraced today's technology and advancements, and we are always looking for ways to launch new objectives for our team. Technology is ever evolving, and I am personally excited to see what the future holds for us and future technology. We have seen gigantic leaps in just these past few years, which gives us hope for what is to come. It has made a tremendous impact on my day-today life, as well as for our team, allowing us to be more efficient yet provide a great experience for our fans.
provides an all-around better experience for not only our fans, but our staff as well. Allowing our staff ample time and help to do their job leads to a better interaction between them and our fans.
BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
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BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
Ta ke y o u r b u s i n e s s to t h e n ex t l eve l w i t h t h e B a y C o u nt y Chamber! -
Continuing Education New Par tnerships Networking Adver tising Referrals Events And more!
Le a r n m o re at
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Receive $1400 per year for tuition and fees
Bay, Gulf, and Franklin County High School Graduates (2021 and beyond) Must be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours per semester No application process Must enroll for the Fall semester after graduation.
www.gulfcoast.edu/guarantee
BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
23
economic profile current labor statistics for bay county LABOR FORCE
EMPLOYED
UNEMPLOYED
UNEMPLOYED RATE
May 21'
93,526
89,594
3,932
4.2
June 21'
95,847
91,170
4,677
4.9
July 21'
95,687
91,568
4,119
4.3
May 20'
86,695
77,365
9,330
10.8
June 20'
87,255
80,620
6,635
7.6
July 20'
89,117
82,139
6,978
7.8
real estate sales
EXISTING SINGLE FAMILY HOMES PANAMA CITY MSA
FLORIDA
REALTOR SALES
MEDIAN PRICE
REALTOR SALES
MEDIAN PRICE
May 21'
521
$299,000
30,985
$344,900
June 21'
577
$295,900
34,165
$351,000
July 21'
485
$310,000
30,740
$355,000
May 20'
309
$235,000
19,622
$270,000
June 20'
519
$250,000
27,646
$282,000
July 20'
497
$260,000
31,392
$295,000
CONDO-TOWNHOMES SALES PANAMA CITY MSA
FLORIDA
REALTOR SALES
MEDIAN PRICE
REALTOR SALES
MEDIAN PRICE
May 21'
285
$345,000
15,491
$250,000
June 21'
273
$355,000
16,155
$256,945
July 21'
265
$370,000
13,481
$253,000
May 20'
102
$283,750
6,069
$201,472
June 20'
173
$265,000
8,994
$210,000
July 20'
204
$248,750
11,133
$210,000
bay county sales tax collections
24
Bay County Demographic Snapshot Bay County Population: 172,228 Median Age: 41.1 Labor Force: 90,220 Average Wage: $43,681 Households: 69,389 Household Income: $59,296 Per Capita Income: $31,274
bay county building permits
GROSS SALES
TAXABLE SALES
TAX COLLECTIONS
April 21'
$848.9M
$538.2M
$32.7M
June 20'
RESIDENTIAL
COMMERCIAL
103
6
May 21'
$784.7M
$526.2M
$32.6M
July 20'
34
0
June 21'
$885.9M
$599.2M
$35.3M
August 20'
147
8
April 20'
$607.8M
$324.9M
$18.7M
June 19'
42
4
May 20'
$473.7M
$249.5M
$15.4M
July 19'
77
0
June 20'
$642.1M
$394.3M
$24.9M
August 19'
77
5
BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
May - July 2021 from Ben Moorman, Vice President, EDA of Bay County Bay County received a welcomed award at the September 21st Commission meeting. James Blair, with Navigator Consulting, formally presented the award to Bay County and Bay Economic Development Alliance (Bay EDA) for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Certification. Now you may be asking yourself, why is FDI important and why do we need the FDI Certification? FDI supports almost 8 million U.S. workers, employs approximately 22 percent of America’s manufacturing workforce, and pays approximately 18 percent more that the average U.S. salary. Furthermore, almost 70 percent of new manufacturing jobs created in the United States over the past five years is a result of FDI. The FDI certification helps set the Bay County community, including the municipalities within, apart from other communities pursuing FDI. The FDI certification assures potential investors that Bay County has been vetted and has the necessary components to support their investment efforts. The FDI certification was born from a partnership between the Transatlantic Business & Investment Council and Navigator Consulting. Both firms work closely with European Companies and have brought approximately $7.8B total investment and more the 14K new jobs to the US economy in the past 12 years. The certification process for Bay County began in 2020, where the first
order of business was to compile and submit an extensive data package to showcase the community. Becca Hardin, President of the Bay Economic Development Alliance, states “the data request was a spreadsheet with 10 tabs and hundreds of deliverables. It was the most extensive RFI we have ever received.” The next order of business was a mock site visit, where representatives of each firm spent 3 days in our community evaluating numerous components such as available properties, education, workforce, leadership and quality of life, to name a few. We are proud to share that Bay County excelled in the certification, scoring the highest out of any community certified to date. Furthermore, Bay County is one of nine communities in the United States with the FDI seal of approval and the only community in the state of Florida. “We couldn’t have achieved this certification without the support of our community partners, and for that we are very fortunate and appreciative”, says Hardin. For more information about the Bay Economic Development Alliance, please visit www. BayEDA.com or connect with us via Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
northwest florida beaches international
bay county bed tax collections
airport passenger traffic
PANAMA CITY
PANAMA CITY BEACH
MEXICO BEACH
March 21
$193,703.89
$2,543,375.08
$31,875.01
2020
38,775
March 20
$99,014.02
$973,175.22
$209.29
2021
50,746
% Change
95.63%
161.35%
342.14%
% Change
30.87%
AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS (YEAR-TO-DATE)
TOTAL PASSENGER ENPLANEMENTS (YTD)
April 21
$227,798.10
$3,266,566.00
$35,576.86
2020
210,579
April 20
$44,145.17
$129,893.90
$587.96
2021
471,821
416.02%
2414.80%
5950.90%
% Change
124.06%
% Change
TOTAL PASSENGER DEPLANEMENTS (YTD)
May 21
$267,995.07
$4,112,298.16
$42,730.98
2020
217,336
May 20
$46,263.90
$1,159,327.52
$2,881.20
2021
478,700
479.27%
254.71%
1383.10%
% Change
120.26%
% Change
BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
25
workforce connection Update from CareerSource Gulf Coast by: Kim Bodine, Executive Director, CareerSource Gulf Coast
W
e were excited about turning a corner to reintroduce “normalcy” just as the COVID-19 Delta variant brought about a second round of concerns
$300 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation and the expiration of work search and work registration requirements
and challenges. We see these impacts daily as businesses work
waivers for individuals drawing Reemployment Assistance benefits
hard to remain open and operational and individuals strive to make
at the end of June. Jobs remain plentiful while Florida’s economy
the decisions that are best for themselves and their families.
continues to gain steam.
This time of year, we typically experience an increase in jobseekers
To support this initiative, we continue to do what we do every day
actively seeking employment as students return to school and
by providing employment services to any and all job seekers and
seasonal hiring for the holidays edges forward. Many parents and
employers who visit or contact our centers. For eligible individuals
guardians look for opportunities to return to the workforce after
interested in learning new skills, we offer financial assistance for
their children go back to school in the fall, and individuals in search
training. For individuals interested in re-entering the workforce or
of supplemental income look for the flexibility that seasonal/tem-
finding a new career, we offer career guidance, resume editing, job
porary employment offers.
referrals, and more to get you prepared to present your best self
While this second round of the pandemic created a new set of
job descriptions, providing labor market information and posting
hurdles for both employers and job seekers, we have seen more
and recruiting for open positions.
job seekers actively looking for work than we were earlier this year. Anecdotally, job seekers have indicated they feel more comfortable going back to work due to a larger number of individuals receiving vaccinations (including themselves), and that they are tired of having the fear of the pandemic rule over their lives. Some customers are still fearful of entering the workforce and are seeking remote work options. While the Delta variant slowed foot traffic in our centers, we are still hearing from job seekers who want to go to work. To accommodate concerns, we gladly continue to offer our services virtually, offering a connection to services without compromising anyone’s individual concerns or preferences. Under Governor DeSantis’ guidance, the state has encouraged eligible people to return to the workforce through the ‘Return to
26
Work’ initiative. This is reflected by Florida withdrawing from the
BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
and land the job. For employers we can assist you in developing
CareerSource Gulf Coast proudly serves both our area’s employers and jobseekers. As the tide changes, we will continue to serve our community while adapting to changes and planning for a prosperous full recovery. Come see us! CareerSource Gulf Coast provides services to job seekers and employers in Bay, Gulf and Franklin Counties. Offices are operated in all three counties. Visit www.careersourcegc.com to learn more about professional workforce development and job placement services, all offered at no charge.
Margaret Thompson The St. Joe Company Margaret Thompson was born in Dayton, Ohio to an Air Force family, and lived in many communities across the United States (Ohio, Alabama, Virginia, Oklahoma, Utah, and New Mexico!). After graduating high school, Margaret attended Florida State University in Tallahassee where she earned her Bachelors in Marketing and Management in 2015. After graduating, Margaret worked as the Social Media Coordinator for Florida Fish and Wildlife. In 2019, she relocated to Panama City and joined The St. Joe Company team as the Marketing Coordinator. Margaret manages numerous social media pages, coordinates groundbreakings and more. Margaret enjoys meeting new people and being involved in many different organizations in Panama City. She graduated from Leadership Bay in 2020, and recently joined the Steering Committee, for Junior Leadership Bay and for Bay Young Professionals. She loves volunteering with the Junior League of Panama City, where she is the Vice President of Communications. In her free time, she enjoys running, game night with friends, golf and kickball!
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BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
27
The Chamber believes in our industrial partners and truly appreciates their contributions to our economy and way of life. It is hard to imagine life in Bay County without the economic and civic contributions companies like our award recipients make on a daily basis.
Sporting Clay Tournament Winners: 1ST PLACE TEAM // System Services and Engineering – Kyle Shoots, Jonathon Shoots 2ND PLACE TEAM // Advance Fire Protection Services – Michael Sudheimer, Carl Ellis, Johnny Riley, Trent Susi 3RD PLACE TEAM // Smart Bank – Jeremy Bennett, Chuck Fuller, Connor Shaw, Hunter Shaw
THANKS TO OUR Sponsors: PRESENTING // Gulf Power SPORTING CLAY // Tournament: Hancock Whitney; Lunch: Trustmark Bank; Prize: Brock Lawn and Pest Control; Refreshment Cart: Berg Pipe INDUSTRY APPRECIATION CELEBRATION AWARDS BREAKFAST // Presenting: Gulf Power; Award: Gulf Coast State College TABLE SPONSORS // Aaron Rich Marketing, Berg Pipe, By The Sea Resorts, City of Panama City, Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Holiday Beach Mechanical, Port Panama City, USA, RSAE Labs Inc., and Trustmark Bank
28
Business Expansion By The Sea Resorts
Newcomer Fat & Weird Cookie
By The Sea Resorts has invested $10 million dollars to expand the business, solidifying their commitment for new jobs, event space and tourism for the community. In the past year, they have added Candlewood Suites to their family. The Legacy Hotel underwent a total renovation and reopened as a Radisson. The Shalimar Retreat has been rebranded to the Travelodge by Wyndham. With the name recognition and reach of Wyndham and Radisson, this move will bring added exposure to Panama City Beach. Also, recently rebranded Baymont by Wyndham and Ramada by Wyndham properties have been updated. By investing and upgrading the properties, it elevates the offerings to the Panama City and Panama City Beach area to clients looking for an upgraded experience.
Our newcomer award winner, Fat and Weird Cookie, was born in August of 2018 after they received a little help from followers on Instagram. Over 1,000 cookies were sent from different people all over the world to the door of the owner, who was born and raised in Panama City. He and his wife sampled every cookie that came to them in an effort to create new ideas and put their own twist on their products. As a result, Fat and Weird Cookie has opened up a store-front location in Panama City and manufactures and distributes massive gourmet cookies with weird names, cookie dough and ice cream locally and all over the world.
BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
Innovation RSAE Labs During the last year, RSAE Labs has, in parallel, developed, deployed and validated multiple innovative technologies, products and services. These innovations represent significant advances in global logistics, cyber-security, manufacturing and health safety. ‘Mist’ (mobile interconnected sensor technology) is an advanced wireless IOT protocol developed in conjunction with the US DoD and the US Rail Industry and owned exclusively by RSAE Labs. Mist has set new standards for wireless IOT communications for cyber-security (only DoD certified) and lowest life-cycle cost. Last year, mist-based products and services were deployed for the first time in commercial manufacturing, global logistics and US rail operations.
Small Business of the Year Aaron Rich Marketing Aaron Rich Marketing was launched in 2013 as a single person entity in 2013 and has consistently grown throughout the last 8 years to a staff of 18 employees almost entirely through word of mouth and community involvement. The business has expanded its service offerings and now has specialists in each business area. Aaron Rich Marketing has twice been recognized as Florida State’s Seminole 100 award for the fastest growing companies by an FSU led organization. They have been able to remain successful in maintaining operations and staffing despite going through a Category 5 hurricane and global pandemic.
Manufacturer of the Year Eastern Shipbuilding Group Headquartered in Bay County, Florida, Eastern Shipbuilding Group is a leading innovator in marine construction and repair, utilizing both conventional assembly methods and modular construction. This combination of techniques has made their three facilities some of the most modern and efficient operations in the country. Today, Eastern Shipbuilding Group has a portfolio of over 350 vessels that can be found around the world. They recently built the latest iconic fleet of Staten Island Ferries and serve as the prime contractor for the U.S. Coast Guard’s highest acquisition priority, the Heritage Class Offshore Patrol Cutter. From their shipyard in Bay County Florida, ESG has built world class vessels for national defense and commercial purposes. Their corporate philosophy is to keep their promises and deliver excellence to their customers.
System Services and Engineering
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CPAR REALTORS® Attended Florida’s Largest Real Estate Event of the Year: Florida REALTORS® Conference and Trade Expo Leadership from the Central Panhandle Association of REALTORS, located in Northwest Florida, attended this year’s annual Florida Realtors Convention & Trade Expo held August 25-26, 2021, at Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando,
by singing sensations, Flashback Four, at
“Home to some of the nation’s fastest
the annual Awards Luncheon, which hon-
growing counties, Northwest Florida is
ors Realtor excellence and service. This
an exciting place to be,” Spillman says.
year’s Trade Expo featured more than 100
“Meaningful work is what drives me, and
industry experts and exhibitors showcas-
I look forward to even more opportuni-
ing the latest marketing, technology, and
ties to expand the agency’s footprint de-
other business tools.
livering results for clients and establish-
Moore Promotes Katie Spillman, Expands Northwest Florida Presence
Florida. CPAR representatives included the Board of Directors, Leadership Acad-
ing Moore as the go-to communications firm for organizations doing important work in this region.”
New President Named at Ascension Sacred Heart Bay Robin Godwin, the Vice President of
emy and Staff who attended education
Nursing at Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf
sessions and state level governance
in Port St. Joe has been named to serve
meetings.
as new president of Ascension Sacred Heart Bay in Panama City. Godwin has led the nursing and ancillary operations of Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf since December 2018. She has guided the hospital in continuing its outstanding record in achieving top ratings on measures of patient satisfaction Moore, a globally recognized integrated
Realtors from around the state came
communications agency, has named
to the convention to discuss key issues
Katie Spillman as senior director. Spill-
that shape their profession. Members
man started with the agency in the firm’s
could select from more than 35 edu-
Tallahassee headquarters more than a
cation sessions such as new trends in
decade ago, where she has led integrat-
real estate, social media marketing,
ed campaigns at the state and national
boosting productivity, best practices for
levels on behalf of clients like Google,
brokers and more. Prior to the in-person
Ford Motor Company, The St. Joe Com-
sessions, Florida Realtors’ Virtual Gover-
pany, and Northwest Florida Beaches
nance Meetings were held from August
International Airport.
2-12, 2021; hybrid in-person/virtual governance meetings also took place on August 27-28, 2021.
Now based in Panama City, Spillman manages client relations in the Northwest Florida region, further establishing
The convention featured Kevin Har-
the agency’s local presence.
rington, creator of the infomercial and
30
Before joining Ascension, Robin served for eight years as the Director of Nursing at Archbold Memorial Hospital in Thom-
an original star of TV’s “Shark Tank,”
“We are excited about our expansion
who spoke during the general session
into the Northwest Florida region and
while keynote speaker Admiral William
are thrilled to have a leader like Katie
H. McRaven, USN (retired) closed out
in the Panama City market,” said Terrie
the convention by sharing lessons in
Ard, APR, CPRC, President and COO of
teamwork, personal accountability and
Moore. “Katie’s expertise in branding,
leadership learned during his military ca-
video production, and media and public
reer. Convention-goers also got to enjoy
relations, as well as her passion for com-
Robin earned her bachelor's degree and
the music of “Kool & The Gang” during
munity truly exemplify the Moore team
her master's degree in Nursing at Valdos-
the Dance Party, then were entertained
DNA and our culture.”
ta State University in Georgia.
BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
asville, Ga. and three years as Director of Nursing at Mitchell County Hospital in Camilla, Ga. Prior to that, she served as a clinical coordinator and educator and began her career as an Emergency Department staff nurse and charge nurse.
"We are pleased to have someone with
analysis, guest service strategy and
Robin's experience and proven record of
implementation, business development
success take the leadership role at our
and expansion, and operational analysis.
Bay County hospital," said Henry Stovall,
With the SBDC, he looks forward to help-
Regional President over Ascension's
ing the local business community grow
hospitals in Bay, Gulf and Walton coun-
and succeed!
ties. "She is highly respected within our
Regions Bank
organization and well prepared to lead Ascension Sacred Heart Bay as it continues to grow and meet the healthcare needs of the entire community."
Bay Correctional Facility Warden Jesse Williams is the Warden at the Bay Correctional Facility in Panama City, Florida, which is operated by Management & Training Corporation—a world leader in providing rehabilitation services to incarcerated men and women. Mr.
working in finance related roles where he was responsible for budgeting and forecasting. He is passionate about helping small businesses succeed with data driven decisions. A Bay County native and Mosley graduate, Taye is excited to share growth and marketing strategies to drive more revenue for local businesses.
Liah Jones has been promoted as Branch Manager, AVP with Regions Bank to the local Lynn Haven Branch on Hwy 77. She is excited to provide her expertise and passion around financial wellness as a Dedicated Personal and Business Banker to our community.
Visit Panama City Beach Williams began his long career in corrections in 1989 with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction where he served as warden, regional director, and deputy director for the state agency. Mr. Williams then served in various high-level positions for the U.S. Department of State in Afghanistan, advising and mentoring executive-level leaders responsible for the country’s correctional system. Most recently, Mr. Williams served as warden at the Marshall County Correctional Facility in Holly Springs, Mississippi.
Florida SBDC Taye Larry joined the Florida SBDC at UWF in 2020 as a business consultant. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from UWF in 2013, and is currently pursuing an MBA with an
Terry is an Assistant Director and Business Consultant at the Florida SBDC at UWF and a hospitality professional with over twenty years of specialized experience. He has held leadership positions in both corporate and independent hospitality organizations. For the majority of the past decade, he has devoted his time to assisting independent restaurateurs
Visit Panama City Beach announces the appointment of Ashley Bradshaw as Sales Coordinator. Bradshaw most recently worked as a digital analytics specialist at VERB Interactive, where she led strategies for travel and tourism clients, many of whom also operate in Florida.
emphasis in Data Analytics.
to develop, launch, and expand new and
Upon graduation, he began his career
entertainment concepts throughout the
in corporate sales with UPS and gained
region.
Have a submission for the Biz List?
nesses with their supply chain. Prior to
Though well-rounded, Terry’s exper-
Please email information@baychamberfl.com to include your business news to the Biz List.
joining the Florida SBDC, he spent years
tise lies in financial management and
valuable knowledge assisting small busi-
existing lodging, food and beverage, and
BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
31
new members
32
from June 4 - September 13
Alice's on Bayview 1000 Bayview Ave. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 640-4516
Coastal Classic Homes 1208 Discovery Loop N. Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 252-0302
Ambitious WE Life Coaching 1714 Montana Ave. Lynn Haven, FL 32444 (850) 601-8660
DP Audio Video, LLC 4730 E. Bay Dr. Panama City, FL 32404 (850) 258-2264
Association of Bay County Educators 1610 Beck Ave. Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 763-3416
Emmanuel Sheppard Condon Attorneys 30 S. Spring St. Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 433-6581
Bay County SHRM PO Box 1802 Panama City, FL 32402 (850) 238-6640
Family One Source PO Box 1522 Lynn Haven, FL 32444 (850) 895-1024
Bay Education Suport Personnel 1610 Beck Ave. Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 763-3416
FastSigns 1812 S. Hwy. 77, Ste. 102 Lynn Haven, FL 32444 (408) 300-3680
Brice Builders 55 W. 5th Street Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 258-9030
Griffitts Construction PO Box 608 Panama City, FL 32402 (850) 258-8951
Cabinets To Go 1820 W. 15th St. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 229-8110
Hilton Garden Inn PC Airport 5625 Venture Crossings Blvd. Panama City, FL 32409 (850) 231-7200
Chorus SmartSecure, LLC 2183 Parkway Lake Dr. Birmingham, AL 35244 (850) 290-5882
Johnny’s Delivery 4101 Choctaw St. Panama City Beach, FL 32417 (478) 293-8036
Club 360 2424 Jenks Ave., Ste. B Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 769-3357
Kessler Construction 3375-C Cap Cir NE Suite 200A Tallahassee, FL 32317 (850) 997-4540
BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
Kevin’s Kitchen 4400 Kingfish Ln. #346 Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (615) 473-7386 Prosperity Quality Services, Inc. 1691 W. 37th St. Hialeah, FL 33012 (954) 980-2279 Sentinel Title, LLC 465 Grace Ave. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 304-0210 The Lead Coalition of Bay County, Inc. 1608 Baker Ct., Room 1 Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 640-2028 The Orchard Learning Center 510 W. 10TH St. Lynn Haven, FL 32444 (850) 815-8800 Underdog Gaming, LLC 5437 Nicole Blvd. Panama City, FL 32404 (850) 387-8920 Wolfe Watersports, LLC 4456 Huckberry Ln. Panama City, FL 32409 (850) 919-5390 Woodmen Life 274 Forest Park Cir. Panama City, FL 32404 (850) 832-6848
member anniversaries
from June 4 - September 13
5 years
15 years
35 years
Affordable Home Insurance Aspire Financial Partners Coastal Skin Surgery & Dermatology DRMP, Inc. Exit Sands Realty Family Service Agency of Bay Co. Glass Ventures Inc Gulf Coast Pharmacy Horton Outdoor Medicare Choice Solutions Panhandle Pediatric Dentistry Payday Inc. Titan Factory Direct Zaxby's
Hilton Garden Inn Valle Vistas
Bay County Board of Commissioners Florida Offshore, Inc. KLW Enterprises, Inc. St. Andrews Bay Nursing & Rehab Center
10 years Carpe Diem Community Solutions, Inc. DR Horton Florida Architects, Inc. Holy Nativity Episcopal School Lifeguard Ambulance Service
20 years First Command Financial Planning Harrison Rivard Duncan & Buzzett Mott MacDonald Skinner Tax Consulting Inc.
40 years American Red Cross
25 years Edward Jones Investments Encompass Health Rehabilitation of PC Heritage Bible Church Panama City Mall Panama Country Club WFSU-FM Warren Averett
30 years Holiday Inn Panama City Small Business Development Center The Eye Center of North Florida
850-588-2462
REBATH.COM
Complete Bathroom Remodeling Tub & Shower Updates • Aging & Accessibility Solutions
For All Your Electrical Needs
Residental • Commercial • Generators
850-769-8099 www.metropower.com/request-service/ BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
33
Connect With Us:
We’re Not Just A Dumpster Service... 850.249.2755 - DumpsterServicesPCB.com
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We Offer Same Day Delivery and Flat Rates
Roll Off Dumpsters 34
BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
Trash Compactors
Street sweepers
Proudly serving parts of Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Jackson, Walton and Washington counties for 80 years
6243 East Highway 98 | Panama City, FL 32404 (850) 481-1188 | (850) 481-1184 Fax 9434 Highway 77 | Panama City, FL 32409 (850) 265-3631 | (800) 568-3667 (850) 265-3634 Fax 722 West Highway 22 | Wewahitchka, FL 32465 (850) 639-2216 | (800) 333-9392 (850) 639-5061 Fax
www.gcec.com
COMPUTER NETWORK SUPPORT
CCTV CAMERAS
AUDIO & VIDEO SYSTEMS
www.NevesMedia.com
850.215.4170 BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
35
PA I D A DVE R T I S E M E N T
Intellichoice Builders, LLC – Building Smarter starts here! As one of the premier builders
in Bay, Walton and Gulf Counties, Intellichoice Builders brings a fresh level of professionalism and quality to all the projects that they work on. The staff at Intellichoice brings a wealth of knowledge and level of service that is above and beyond the norm. They are state licensed (CGC 1526169) and perform all types of construction: design/build, new construction, remodel, or additions, on both commercial and residential projects. With over 20 years of experience, Robert Yanchis, one of the owners, says, “I’ve worked all over the State of Florida, in numerous states throughout the Southeast and even in the Caribbean, but this area of Florida is unique when it comes to contracting.” Intellichoice Builders prides itself on partnering with experienced subcontractors/ tradesman and working with them to develop relationships for long term success. “By working with the same tradesmen repeatedly, you get to understand how they work, and they understand our expectations and procedures which ultimately makes the projects flow more smoothly,” said Juan Gonzalez, Owner.
The last few years have been difficult for the local community. Bay and Gulf counties were starting to recover from the devastation of hurricane Michael and here came 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic which has brought further devastating our community. Intellichoice Builders and their staff have instituted numerous additional safety procedures. Intellichoice will continue working within the community as long as safely possible. Intellichoice knows how important it is for people that have been displaced from their community and homes for the last few years to get back to normality.
Intellichoice Builders are respecting orders from authorities and practicing safety as much as physically possible. Intellichoice Builders strives to provide a safe work environment for both their clients, construction partners and their workers. The project management software that Intellichoice uses is internet based and links the client to the project without needing to have in person interactions. They can record finish selections, change orders, RFI’s, etc. Intellichoice was already utilizing this software to work with clients from other states, now they use it to assist in limiting interactions due to the current health situation. Other strategies employed during these times include practicing social distancing by reducing the number of workers to jobsites or at least specific areas; avoiding box stores like Home Depot or Lowes and coordinating phone sales and deliveries instead; education of their staff as information is made available and encouraging good hygiene practices as always. Intellichoice’s goal is to keep their clients, construction partners and staff safe and healthy. Intellichoice Builders are constantly taking on new clients – Please contact them for your next project:
Intellichoice Builders, LLC 1818 Michigan Ave. Panama City, FL 32405
(850) 427-2727
Intellichoicebuilders.com
The Leading Provider of Road, Sitework & Building Construction in Northwest Florida
Quality Projects Since 1958
gaccontractors.com
850.785.4675 CGC1522062 BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
37
Emerald Coast Culligan 315 E 15th Street Panama City, FL. 32405 850-763-1721 www.emeraldcoastculligan.com 38
BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
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2251 W. 23rd. St. Panama City, FL
850-785-5221
BillCramerGM.com @BillCramerPCGM @BillCramerGM
BAY BIZ / FALL 2021
39
PO BOX 1850 PANAMA CITY, FL 32402
