MEET FLORIDA'S NEW CFO
BAY COUNTY'S OWN JIMMY PATRONIS
UNDERSTANDING CHARTER SCHOOLS PANAMA CITY'S EVOLVING MARINA
! e t a d e Save th
THE GULF COAST STATE COLLEGE FOUNDATION
2017 Annual Golf Benefit at Shark’s Tooth
Pairings Party Thursday, November 2 @ 6:00 p.m.
Golf Tournament Friday, November 3 @ 8:00 a.m.
A Traditional
Christmas
HOLIDAY DECORATING SHOWCASE
STUDENT UNION EAST Monday, November 6 6 p.m. ~ VIP Show Tuesday, November 7 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. ~ General Public Wednesday, November 8 10 a.m. ~ General Public PRESENTING SPONSOR
Tickets: $20 All proceeds will be donated to the GCSC Foundation for Military & Veteran students scholarship support. For more information or to purchase tickets, please: · Call Lori Eldridge at (850) 769-1551 ext. 6010 · meldridg2@gulfcoast.edu · Or order them online at www.gcscfoundation.org
KIRBY HOLT www.kirbystudio.com
october - december 2017
departments 6
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
8
POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE The Panama City Marina: Then, Now, and What Is To Come
14 EDUCATION
Uniquely Different: Understanding Charter Schools 16 HEALTH Surviving The Workplace
20
DEFENSE INTEL ANTX 2017 - Battlespace Preparation in a Contested Environment Offers Low-Risk, Collaborative Learning Environment
22
ECONOMIC PROFILE
10
24 TECHNOLOGY
Kiosks In Business
28
WORKFORCE CONNECTION
30
BIZ LIST
36
NEW MEMBERS
37
MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
24 20
features 10
COVER STORY Meet Florida's New CFO: Bay County's Own Jimmy Patronis
32
INDUSTRY APPRECIATION AWARD WINNERS
14 B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
3
PUBLISHER Carol Roberts EXECUTIVE EDITOR Taylor Smith CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kim Bodine Brandi DeRuiter John Holdnak NSWC PCD Office of Public Affairs Carol Roberts Taylor Smith ART DIRECTION, LAYOUT, AND DESIGN
getgorgeo.us | 850-888-8GRG COVER Jimmy Patronis Appointed as Florida’s New CFO CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Taylor Smith, Bay District Schools, Christine Salvador, City of Panama City, and NSWC PCD Office of Public Affairs BAY BIZ MAGAZINE c/o Bay County Chamber of Commerce 235 W. 5th Street Panama City, FL 32401 850.785.5206 information@baychamberfl.com www.panamacity.org facebook.com/baychamberfl twitter.com/baychamberfl instagram.com/baychamberfl
The Bay Biz is published quarterly by the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, 235 W. 5th Street, Panama City, FL 32401 850.785.5206 POSTMASTER send address changes to: Bay County Chamber, 235 W. 5th Street, Panama City, FL 32401 or email taylor@baychamberfl.com.
The Bay Biz welcomes story ideas from its readers. Email to taylor@baychamberfl.com. To request additional copies, contact 850.785.5206.
ELECTRIC CO-OPS WERE CONSTRUCTED WITH LINES, POLES AND THE FOOLHARDY NOTION THAT WE ALL PROSPER BY HELPING EACH OTHER. Today, the spirit of community that co-ops were built upon continues to thrive. And as members we can all lend a hand to one another by saving energy. Learn how at TogetherWeSave.com.
WORK TRIPS SEEM LIKE LESS WORK IN Atlanta. ECP offers nonstop and direct flights to: ALBUQUERQUE, ATLANTA, CHICAGO, DALLAS, NASHVILLE, HOUSTON MINNEAPOLIS, MIDLAND, RALEIGH-DURHAM, TULSA, JACKSONVILLE, DENVER LAS VEGAS, SAN JOSE and connections to the rest of the world. B AY B I Z
escape.iflybeaches.com |
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
5
As I am writing my article today, September 11th, I have to pause and remember the significance of the day in America’s history and the lives lost. The attack on our country caused a total change in our way of life, and I salute our armed forces for their unwavering defense of the great U.S.A.! In addition, today we are also watching the historic Hurricane Irma and the impact on the State of Florida. I am so proud of the leadership shown by Governor Scott to protect the citizens of our state. The well-organized evacuation and preparation has been simply amazing. Thank you Governor Scott! As we are wrapping up a great summer in our community with record breaking tourism numbers I must do a shout out to the folks at PCB Entertainment for their efforts to put heads in beds over the years. Gulf Coast Jam has been a great shot in the arm for our local economy and we sincerely appreciate the organizers of that event. Great job Rendy! The talk of the town lately is the redevelopment of the Panama City Marina. Many of our citizens are concerned over the effort. I have to ask them to take a look at the condition of our city and understand we must do something of magnitude to encourage businesses to come back to not only downtown, but to all of the city. We at the Chamber live it on a daily basis. We work daily to develop the community and we must have a product that people want to do business in. Our visual image, giving people a reason to come to downtown, is key. The proposed plan does that, and we encourage everyone to embrace this opportunity. Let’s approve the plan, hold the public hearings for MORE public input and see what the feasibility studies show. Our city has been through five other plans but it never seems to be enough. So many have not followed the process over the years and understand that our city officials have done their due diligence. There are lots of rumors blowing up on social media and you must know, in most part, it is not a reliable source of facts. You will find a complete story on this important issue later in the magazine. On the cover, we are proud to shine a spotlight on our own Jimmy Patronis, Florida’s new Chief Financial Officer. This is exciting for our community to have a hometown, homegrown guy as CFO. Think about the representation our county has in Tallahassee that are all homegrown … Representative Jay Trumbull, Senator George Gainer, Former Speaker
6
B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
Allan Bense, Chairman of Triumph Gulf Coast, Jay Trumbull, Sr. Chairman of the Florida Transportation Commission, Bo Rivard on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Greg Wilson on the Judicial Nominating Commission, George Roberts as Chairman and Nick Patronis of the NW Florida Water Management District. Bay County knows how to grow them! I’ll close with a personal note. As I mentioned in the last issue, this summer has been very busy for me personally as I hit several milestones. During the summer of 1977, I turned 20 in June, got married in July and started at the Chamber in August. So, this all means that I have celebrated my 60th birthday, my 40th wedding anniversary and my 40th anniversary at the Chamber. Thank you to the staff, our board and leaders over the years for allowing me to represent the organization. It’s been a great ride, but we/I aren’t done yet, so you may have to put up with me for a few more years.
Carol Roberts President/CEO
LESS WAIT. MORE CARE.
For beachside emergencies, see our board-certified physicians at the Bay Medical Beach ER, the only comprehensive emergency department on the beach. Diagnostics also available including X-Ray, CT Scan, Open MRI, Ultrasound, EKG, Lab, Physical Therapy 11111 Panama City Beach Parkway Panama City Beach, FL 850-747-2900 ď‚– www.baymedical.org
political perspective The Panama City Marina: Then, Now, and What is to Come by: Brandi DeRuiter, Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Bay County Chamber of Commerce
T
he current Panama City Marina was completed in the summer of 1959. Although this is the Marina we all know, its nature and character have changed throughout the ages. This article will take a look back to the documented beginnings of development of Panama City’s wharfs and marinas, what has led up to the current state, and a look of what is to come. The earliest recorded history around 1900 states it was a simple dock. The Gulf Coast Development Company built the City Wharf in 1905. This housed a post office, a hotel, a cafÊ, a store, a supermarket, and a skating rink. The skating rink closed in 1910 and eventually became the first jail and courthouse in Bay County. Court was held from the long wooden
8
B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
city dock at the end of Harrison Avenue until the new courthouse opened in 1915. In 1915, the San Souci Casino opened for business. Six-hundred people attended their grand opening, arriving by scores of boats and a special train that ran from Lynn Haven. This casino was a two-story building that featured a dance hall and live entertainment. In 1939, the City entered into an agreement to sponsor and construct a project consisting of the extension, enlargement and improvement of the Municipal Recreation Pier. This included a sea wall and a casino. The Secretary of the War Department authorized the construction of a semi-circular park
at the base of the existing dock, extending 150 feet into the water. Opening in 1942, the United Service Organizations (USO) building was located on the waterfront and provided morale, welfare and recreation-type services to U.S. uniformed military personnel. The City acquired ownership of the land during condemnation proceedings in the 1950’s. In 1957, Panama City resolved to construct the Panama City Marina which included a city hall, civic auditorium and related facilities known as the “Waterfront Project.” As years have gone by, the community’s growth has outpaced the growth and development of the downtown marina and its buildings. The buildings have greatly exceeded their service life and citizens are paying for the upkeep of the marina as opposed to it generating new profits. A 1985 appraisal addressed redevelopment and underutilized land. Referencing the Downtown Plan, proposing landscaped systems, connecting parks, and spaces mixing public access and major development at the marina, it stated: “It is obvious that the Downtown Improvement Board and the City of Panama City need to reacquire the marina operation in order to fit it into the long-term redevelopment plans in the downtown redevelopment program. The existing marina operation is an underutilization of available land and water frontage. The existing lease agreement has 28 years remaining and will significantly preclude or block major redevelopment of adjacent lands north of the marina.” Marshall Appraisals, Inc. 1985 Just over 28 years later, the Title to the Marina cleared as a City owned asset. In January 2014, the Marina redevelopment process began to progress from conversations to negotiations. Panama City looks forward “to be a premier destination,” uniting principles of “balanced need for public access,” and “a catalyst for growth.” Six developers submitted proposals. Through public workshops and community input, these were narrowed down to one. The City is currently in an exclusive negotiating contract with a developer that allows for opportunities to make changes to the plan as more data, resulting from a feasibility study, becomes available. The exclusive negotiating contract period [May 28, 2017 to February 1, 2019] allows time to develop a mutually beneficial development agreement. This lengthy process with nine milestones helps guide the conceptual plan through the complex process to reach a financially and environmentally sound solution. This would be a catalyst for growth, and a driver of prosperity that could transform the Marina Redevelopment Plan to the Marina Redevelopment Project.
Panama City Marina in 1940
to grow Panama City’s resilience and sustainability. This project will diversify and grow City revenue sources, capture the economic potential of pass-through traffic, and provide a highly amenitized downtown spurring much sought after mixed-use neighborhoods. While no single method is ideal to everyone, there is agreement that economic prosperity is a key component of a strong local community and healthy business climate. Prosperity attracts families, entrepreneurs and professionals who all contribute to Panama City’s unique character, improving our quality of life.
“The wisdom of Panama City securing unsurpassable dock privileges at an early stage of the town’s existence... that now is the time, before the City’s commerce grows too great for such a step to be taken economically, for the City to improve harbor front property and build a wharf…” PANAMA CITY PILOT, 1909 The Chamber supports public access to the water to include boating and fishing, public and private entertainment venues, a mix of retail, restaurant, residential and office space, a hotel, adequate and attractive parking areas, civic activity space, connections to, and elements of, public art (to include memorials and history markers), and a tourist draw that would provide substantial economic benefit to Downtown Panama City.
Panama City Commissioners unanimously approved to move forward with the feasibility study at their September 26th public hearing. The results will shape the proposed conceptual plan into a responsible and workable project designed
Shops on the Pier in 1910 B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
9
J
immy Patronis, Bay County native, public servant, small business owner, and above all, family man, was recently appointed by Governor Rick Scott to fill the remainder of former CFO Jeff Atwater’s term. Atwater left his post in June to become CFO at Florida Atlantic University. This article will highlight some of the challenges Florida citizens are facing, as well as how Jimmy, as Florida’s new CFO, plans to tackle them. Growing up in his family’s restaurant business, Captain Anderson’s, Jimmy learned the value of hard work and the importance of customer service early on, never receiving an allowance, but earning a paycheck for hours worked. After graduating from Bay High School, Jimmy pursued higher education at Gulf Coast State College where he earned an associate degree in Restaurant Management. He continued on at Florida State University to earn a bachelor degree in Political Science, especially focusing on communications and public administration. Showing strong character and public servitude, Jimmy was selected to serve as an intern in both the Florida Senate and the highly selective House of Commons in the United Kingdom.
Upon returning home, Jimmy sought out opportunities to serve where he could address the needs of the community. Serving on the board of directors for banks strengthened his skills in financial oversight, while serving on charity boards allowed him to give back to the community. After being appointed by Governor Lawton Chiles, and his successor Governor Jeb Bush, to the Florida Elections Commission, Jimmy served as Chairman of the Bay County Airport Authority. During his tenure on the Airport Authority Board, skillful planning and painstaking perseverance paved the way to having the first commercial airport built since 9/11. Opening for business in 2010, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, and its surrounding area, was planned to meet the 10
B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
needs of major businesses to strengthen and diversify the local economy. Known for having sound judgement on business issues, Jimmy has served as Chairman of the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce, and currently sits on the Bay County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Prior to accepting his appointment as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Jimmy was elected to serve four consecutive terms [before terming out], representing Bay County in the House of Representatives. He was appointed by Governor Scott to serve on the Florida Public Service Commission and the Florida Constitution Revision Commission. “The opportunity to serve is not something I take lightly,” Jimmy stated as he recalled his decision to accept the CFO appointment. “My family needed to sign off.” Jimmy and his wife Katie are dedicated to civic and business development in Northwest Florida and can be seen at community events teaching these values to their young sons who are often at their side. The Florida Cabinet houses three constitutional entities which are elected positions: the Attorney General, the Chief Financial Officer and the Commissioner of Agriculture. Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is directly responsible for the oversight of more than 2,000 employees who help carry out the duties of the Department of Financial Services (DFS). DFS is comprised of 15 service divisions ranging from Accounting, Treasury and Consumer Services, to State Fire Marshall, Unclaimed Property and Workers’ Compensation. The CFO essentially serves as the business manager of Florida’s operations. Drawing from his 35 years of business experience at his family’s business, “everyone’s a customer,” Jimmy states. “Whoever I meet could potentially be a customer of my business and that would benefit my employees and their families.” Serving 250,000 patrons a year in the 5th most competitive restaurant market in the U.S. has shifted to becoming Florida’s CFO and serving 20 million citizens in the
MEET FLORIDA'S NEW CFO BAY COUNTY'S OWN JIMMY PATRONIS
BY: Brandi DeRuiter, Vice President OF GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS Bay COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE nation’s third largest economy. “Working for that many folks to make sure their taxpayer dollars are protected, that they are not being squandered, that there is solid oversight, not an undue debt or burden on our future generations is something I take an enormous amount of honor and pride with. I’ve grown up always watching the bottom line making sure there is good financial health. It fits hand in glove with what I’m doing today.” CFO Patronis has his sights set on unfinished business, namely assignment of benefits and workers’ compensation, and plans for Florida to petition the federal government to make good on WWII bonds. Assignment of Benefits (AOB) is a process where a home insurance policy holder assigns their policy rights to a contractor, unbeknownst to the insurance company; the contractor then performs work and contacts the insurance company to collect payment, which often results in litigation ending in a settlement environment. In 2010, there were 400 AOB lawsuits. This number skyrocketed to 28,000 lawsuits in 2016. This process drives insurance rates up, resulting in private insurance policies being turned over to the public, state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. CFO Patronis would prefer the State not be in the property casualty insurance business and says AOB is a threat to the healthy and robust private insurance market that is growing in Florida. Establishing a predictable workers’ compensation rate environment in the state of Florida is also a top priority as this is critical to job creation and job growth. Both of these insurance issues are anticipated to be addressed in the upcoming legislative session. Other priorities include fighting financial fraud, abuse and waste in government, reducing government spending and regulatory burdens that chase away businesses, and providing transparency and accountability in spending.
“The office of the CFO belongs to every person in the State of Florida, the services that we can provide, especially when you have any questions regarding insurance, consumer issues, we are there for you, to help you navigate. We will always have our phones on, and we are prepared to help when emergencies arise, as our state looks for prosperity, growth and more job creation.” -CFO Jimmy Patronis
DFS SERVICES The Division of Consumer Services helps consumers make informed insurance and financial decisions. Consumers can visit www.MyFloridaCFO.com/Division/Consumers/ or call 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236). THIS DIVISION ALSO OFFERS: •
VERIFY BEFORE YOU BUY - Check agent and company information and licensure before purchasing an insurance policy.
•
COMPLAINT COMPARISON - Consumers can compare the number of complaints an insurance company has compared to the number of policies they have in force.
•
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND ASSISTANCE - The Division also offers information on protecting your home and family in the event of a natural disaster. 1-800-22-STORM (227-8676).
•
DIVISION OF UNCLAIMED PROPERTY – Visit www.FLTreasureHunt.org or call 1-888-258-2253 to search the database for unclaimed property or money that may be owed to you.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of insurance fraud, please visit www.MyFloridaCFO.com or call the Fraud Hotline at 1-800-378-0445.
B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
11
A new-home community in Panama City, Florida. Now selling custom homesites 844-35-SWEET.
It’s beautiful outside. The sun is shining, and it’s a great day to head out for a run on one of the waterfront trails. Then drop by the pool to relax with new friends—who just happen to be your neighbors.
12
SweetBay is a new master-planned community in Panama City, Florida. A village that fosters the healthy lifestyle we like to call, “relaxed living with a dash of Southern charm.” In this friendly neighborhood, everything you need is just a short walk away…most notably, University Academy — a free public K–6 charter school located right in the heart of Academy B A Y our B I Zfirst | neighborhood. O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017 Park,
Or, hop in the car, and in minutes you’re pulling into Pier Park for dinner and a movie, or embarking on a sunset cruise from the local marina. And wildlife abound, whether it’s flora and fauna along the trails of Ocala National Forest and St. Andrews State Park, or splashing under waterfalls and tubing a lazy river at Shipwreck Island. Your family is in the thick of it all. But we know work is a must. Good thing SweetBay is an easy commute to nearby universities, hospitals, military bases, and many other work centers.
Won’t you join us?
Register online to get all the news and information about new homes in SweetBay. www.SweetBayFL.com
Save the da
• Pirates Fe
te!
st - Oct 8
• Veterans Day - Nov 11 • Bethlehem Christmas December 13 - 17
education Uniquely Different: Understanding Charter Schools by: Taylor Smith, Vice President of Communications, Bay County Chamber of Commerce
T
of assessment. The charter contract is typically granted for five years. While the charter school is open to any student, it must abide by the regulations set forth by the “charter”. If it does not meet those standards, it could be closed.
A charter school is an independently run public school who, by the state, is granted greater flexibility in its operations than district schools. The “charter” establishing each school is a performance contract between the school and the sponsor (usually the district) detailing the school’s mission, program, students served, performance goals, and methods
According to the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), legislature authorizing the creation of public charter schools established the following guiding principles: high standards of student achievement while increasing parental choice; the alignment of responsibility with accountability; and ensuring parents receive information on reading levels and learning gains of their children. The FDOE says charter schools are intended to improve student learning; increase learning opportunities with special emphasis on low performing students and reading; and measure learning outcomes.
he question "Where does your kid go to school?” is one we hear being asked every day by friends, colleagues, and even strangers. With so many options available, it can sometimes be a daunting task to determine what school is the best fit for your son or daughter. While researching the various options in Bay County, some parents think there are major differences between the public schools and charter schools.
14
B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
rollment and demographics in the public schools are changing. Husfelt says in 2006, there were eight Title One Schools in Bay County (Title One is a Federal designation for a school where 75 percent, or more, of the students qualify for free- or reduced-price meals). Today, 24 schools meet that threshold. This compares to a 34.86% free- and reduced-lunch rate populate for all of the charter schools combined. This change is being noticed mainly in the classroom. Mal-nutrition, sleep deprivation, and poor behavior are often associated with students living in poverty. As a result, additional support is needed to help the students succeed. However, as students shift from public to charter schools, so do the parents. The parents who were once heavily involved as volunteers, role models, field trip chaperones, book fair helpers, coaches and more are no longer involved with the students in public schools. That combined with the once depended upon, diverse student body leaving the classroom is forcing teachers to adapt to new challenges. Charter Schools are also able to create innovative measurement tools; provide competition to stimulate improvement in traditional schools; expand capacity of the public school system; and mitigate the educational impact created by the development of new residential units. Similar to public schools, charter schools are tuition-free. The funding for the educational institution comes from the state and is based on enrollment levels and performance assessments. In Florida, the Florida Department of Education offers additional monies, such as the Charter School Program Grant, which is a competitive grant award to charter schools for two primary purposes: (1) planning, program design, and initial implementation of new charter schools; and (2) dissemination of information, including best practices, by charter schools open at least three consecutive years with demonstrated success in several areas. One major concern for parents interested in sending their child to a charter school is the quality of education they will receive from the instructors. The employees of charter schools are required to be certified according to CH. 112, F.S. in the legislation allowing charter schools in Florida. This is the same certification required by employees of traditional district school systems. Therefore, students of a charter school should receive the same education based on the same standards as they would attending a district school. Because of the minute differences between district and charter schools, school officials say having the additional schools simply adds more options for parents. “For the record, I am not against charter schools. I Am 100 percent committed to school choice,” said Bill Husfelt, Superintendent of Bay District Schools. “Parents have a right to choose where their children are educated.” While Bay District School Officials welcome the choice to parents, they have begun to notice an unintended outcome: en-
“In the classroom, this absence means that our students are missing some role models who used to be there to help shape classroom norms and set behavioral standards,” said Husfelt. “I was positively impacted by sitting in class with kids who were unlike me. My life was changed by seeing their “middle class” ways and the impact that both a mom and a dad had on their home lives.”
Husfelt says whether from the impact of incarcerated parents, poverty, or familial drug abuse, the increased instability children face forces teachers to do more than just teach the standards; they must help meet the basic needs of some students. Husfelt also says the impact made by other students can not be replaced. By attending charter schools where most students come from similar backgrounds, students are unable interact with people who have different views, thus preventing the student from becoming as well rounded as it could be. “I believe in the school choice process,” said Husfelt. “I am equally passionate, however, about the vital role public education plays in our society and the critical impact it has had on my life and the lives of countless others.” While members of the school district, both in district schools and charter schools, will support the decision by the parent as to where they want to send their children, they say the parent must carefully evaluate what is best for their child. While recommendations can be made, the decision as to what is more appropriate for the the child is made best by the parent. B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
15
health Surviving The Workplace by: Taylor Smith, Vice President of Communications, Bay County Chamber of Commerce
A
lthough it is “just a desk job,” working in an office can wreak absolute havoc on people’s bodies. Whether it is lower back pain, muscle tightness or lack of mobility, employees feel the effects of sitting at a desk all day both inside the office and out. According to Dr. Michael Colvin, Chiropractor at Spine Care Plus in Panama City, Florida, most people sit at a desk with a chair that is too low or high with their neck at an angle. This can result in things like eye strain, shoulder pain, back pain, arm pain, wrist pain and neck pain. According to Dr. Colvin, there are four zones where pain can occur. Zone one is the legs and feet. Pain in this zone consists of Sciatica Nerve pain, throbbing knees, aching feet and/or
16
B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
toe numbness. Pain in zone two typically occurs in the lower back and pelvis. This consists of low back discomfort, Sacroiliac pain, and/or sore and stiff hips. Upper back ache, midback burning, shallow breath and/or arm or hand tingling are associated with zone three. The last zone, zone four, consists of the head and neck which, according to Dr. Colvin, is the most common. Symptoms typically consists of neck pain, headaches and/or tight shoulders. To correct most of these issues, start by adjusting your chair. “Your desk chair should be at a height where you do not have to scrunch your shoulders when you type,” said Dr. Colvin. You want to sit in a chair at a height where you can sit with your shoulders relaxed and pulled back, you are sitting up tall,
and your forearms are parallel to the ground or lower, meaning you do not need to reach up to your keyboard, nor shrug your shoulders. Secondly, set your monitor at the appropriate height. You want the height of your monitor to be such that you can look straight ahead and not have to adjust your neck angle to view the screen. According to Dr. Colvin, “the best position for you to be in when you are sitting at your computer is with the top of your monitor at an even height as your eyes, about 20” 30” away from your head and at a 15 degree tilt upward.” Along with having the proper desk setup, there are other things you can do to prevent pain from sitting too long at the office. The most important thing? Get moving! Studies suggest the best plan for prolonged spinal health is to consistently alter your work environment – move around, or simply stand when possible; do not just sit in the same position for 8 straight hours. According to Dr. Colvin, you should take a lap around the office, stand up or do some exercise at your desk to get moving and loosen up stiff muscles. One exercise you can do for neck pain is a seated neck release. This gentle stretch targets the sides of your neck. Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Extend your right arm next to your right knee or along the right side of the chair. Place your left hand on the top of your head and slowly tilt your head to the left. Apply gentle pressure with your hand to increase the stretch. Hold on this side for 30 seconds, then slowly lift your head up and repeat this stretch on the other side. To feel a deeper stretch, you can hold onto your right knee or the seat of the chair. This stabilizes the torso and allows you to isolate the stretch on the side of your neck. To help with upper back pain, the seated clasping neck stretch offers a deep stretch for the back of your neck and your upper back. To perform this exercise, sit comfortably in a chair or on the floor. Clasp your hands and bring both palms to the back of your head. Begin to press your hands down toward your thighs, tucking your chin into your chest. As you press down, use the heels of your palms to pull your head away from your shoulders. This will intensify the stretch even more. Hold for at least 30 seconds before slowly lifting your head up and releasing your hands. Lower back pain can be corrected using a lunge with chest expansion stretch. To perform this stretch, stand with your right foot forward and left foot back. Deeply bend your front knee so it comes directly above the ankle. Clasp your hands behind your back and lift your chest. Next, slowly fall forward over your right thigh, keeping your hands clasped behind your back. Maintain a neutral spine by keeping your gaze down toward the floor. Draw your shoulder blades together and hold for 30 seconds. While these exercises can resolve most issues caused by “a desk job,” additional treatment may be necessary. “Having a regular chiropractic adjustment can help prevent pain associated with sitting for long periods of time and can improve posture,” said Dr. Colvin. As a general rule, within one to four
weeks of starting a chiropractic treatment program for a non-complex musculoskeletal condition, the patient should feel a 40% to 80% reduction in pain. The frequency of visits to the chiropractor should decrease as the patient’s pain and function improve to the point where only maintenance adjustments (one adjustment about every month) should be needed. “I am good but I am not God,” said Dr. Colvin. When used together, massage therapy, yoga and chiropractic care form a highly effective treatment for the body. Massage therapy allows the muscles and the nervous system to relax, thus increasing the effectiveness of the adjustments that follow. It works by releasing the tension that exists within the muscles and connective tissues, allowing the joints to move more freely during the chiropractic adjustment. Yoga strengthens and trains the body to maintain the correct alignment by improving range of motion, posture and balance. Poses used in Chiropractic yoga include Adho Mukha Svanasana, Uttanasana, Setu Bandha Sarvangasana, Garudasana, and reverse Namaste.
Staff local with your Panama City experts
850.747.1211 adeccousa.com B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
17
WOW! In 3.4 Seconds
2017 CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1 2251 West 23rd Street • Panama City, FL
850-250-5489 • 877-361-1815 BillCramerGM.com
Specialized in:
Search ads
Mobile ads Video ads Display ads
We build brands like nobody’s business. At Kerigan, we are marketing partners focused on helping your business become unlike any other. Through big-brand experience, creative expertise and a commitment to Christian values, we design standout logos, engaging websites and digital media that delivers. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level we’d love to help. Meet our team, view our work or request a proposal online at kerigan.com or get in touch at 850-648-4560.
Our local team is here to lend you our expertise.
Jason Crowe
Honey Harris
Ryan Davis
Jake Mann
Kristy Alston
FLORIDA MARKET PRESIDENT
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER
If you’re ready to make a major purchase, our financing specialists are ready to work. • Excellent loan options for purchases and other personal or business wants and needs. 100 RICHARD JACKSON BLVD., STE. 100 PANAMA CITY BEACH / 850-775-1000
• Home equity and personal Lifeline Lines of Credit. • The convenience and confidence of having your own local banker.
JASON CROWE NMLS #416015 • RYAN DAVIS NMLS # 1246374 • JAKE MANN NMLS #1110935 • KRISTY ALSTON NMLS #1030914
• COMMUNITYBANK.NET • MEMBER FDIC • COMMUNITYBANK.NET • MEMBER FDIC
POSITIONS OPEN? Our Employer Services are unmatched. Career professionals are on hand to guide you, and to provide you with the latest labor market statistics. What’s more, all of our Employer Services are free of charge. CareerSource Gulf Coast is the go-to source in Bay, Gulf & Franklin Counties.
we mean
BUSINESS!
Visit our website or call today to get started! CareerSourceGC.com 850-872-4340, ext. 100
defense intel ANTX 2017 - Battlespace Preparation in a Contested Environment Offers Low-Risk, Collaborative Learning Environment by: NSWC PCD Office of Public Affairs
N
aval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC-PC) co-hosted the 2017 Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX) – Battlespace Preparation in a Contested Environment, Aug. 15-16, 2017, in Panama City, Florida. This event provided a collaborative, low-risk venue for industry, government, and academia to focus their expertise and advanced technologies on challenges facing the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
20
B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
The event, categorized as high-velocity learning by event planners, was co-hosted with Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport located in Rhode Island. ANTX provided the Fleet and other stakeholders with an opportunity to see future Navy technologies in action today, and included Fleet operators embedded with the technologists to evaluate the systems and provide feedback to the developers. "I look to the scientists and engineers, alongside the uniformed warfighters, to combine their expertise and insight
in technology and operating concepts to help us continue to be able to fight and win going forward," said Adm. Phil Davidson, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces during his kick-off remarks Aug. 15, 2017. Davidson spoke to event attendees via video teleconference Aug. 15, 2017. Maj. Gen. David Coffman, Director, Expeditionary Warfare (OPNAV N95), served as the keynote speaker and told reporters on Aug. 16, 2017 the Naval Sea Systems Command Warfare Centers are vital to the transition of technical capabilities from the labs to the Fleet.
participants with a real-world understanding of technical capabilities that spoke to the event theme. “The point here is, in a low-risk environment, to check out the technology that’s here and how can we get it out to the war fighter,” said NSWC PCD Commanding Officer Capt. Aaron Peters, USN. “What’s going to be that next big thing, that game changer that we get out to the war fighter? Well, you’ve got to do events like this. When you do events like this, you can see whether or not the technology works. We want to expand the advantage and give us the war-fighting edge.”
"I think the really brilliant people that we have working here at the center and all of our warfare centers are key to that," said Coffman. ANTX 2017 at NSWC Panama City Division welcomed more than 300 visitors and participants, and over 20 projects to the event pier the third week in August. Overall, NSWC PCD Technical Director Ed Stewart said ANTX 2017 was successful. “We’ve set them up in a real wartime scenario to show how these various systems could potentially work to satisfy a war-fighting scenario,” said Stewart. “We’ve tested in St. Andrew Bay, but also in the Gulf of Mexico…We had a lot of great demonstrations.” Demonstrations, such as the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Mobile Unit SIX Detachment Panama City and Dragon Master aviation unit’s MH-60S helicopter, offered visitors and
BAY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Sheriff Tommy Ford Professionalism — Service — Integrity 3421 N. Highway 77, Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 747-4700 Follow us on FaceBook @ Bay County Sheriff’s Office
B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
21
economic profile current labor statistics for Bay County
LABOR FORCE
EMPLOYED
UNEMPLOYED
UNEMPLOYED RATE
JUN 17
95,473
91,314
4,159
4.4%
JUL 17
95,380
91,289
4,091
4.3%
AUG 17
95,363
91,381
3,982
4.2%
JUN 16
93,876
89,212
4,664
5.0%
JUL 16
94,015
89,368
4,647
4.9%
AUG 16
94,074
89,426
4,648
4.9%
real estate sales EXISTING SINGLE FAMILY HOMES
REALTOR SALES
MEDIAN PRICE
REALTOR SALES
MEDIAN PRICE
JUN 17
418
$198,250
28,205
$225,000
JUL 17
350
$195,000
28,205
$231,900
AUG 17
396
$199,500
25,235
$234,900
JUN 16
311
$192,650
27,086
$200,000
JUL 16
311
$235,412
24,083
$209,500
AUG 16
327
$184,000
25,070
$213,000
CONDO - TOWNHOME SALES JUN 17
163
$222,000
10,996
$176,820
JUL 17
141
$237,900
9,246
$170,950
AUG 17
148
$231,000
9,716
$170,000
JUN 16
100
$213,500
10,506
$164,000
JUL 16
122
$215,900
8,934
$160,000
AUG 16
121
$210,000
9,686
$160,000
Bay County building permits
RESIDENTIAL
COMMERCIAL
JUN 17
42
1
JUL 17
41
7
AUG 17
38
0
JUN 16
44
1
JUL 16
31
0
AUG 16
47
1
Bay County sales tax collections
22
GROSS SALES
TAXABLE SALES
TAX COLLECTIONS
APR 17
$647,428,497
$358,352,475
$21,895,134
MAY 17
$586,599,389
$343,475,648
$21,064,296
JUN 17
$616,667,802
$374,317,449
$23,309,326
APR 16
$616,168,371
$339,595,305
$20,738,451
MAY 16
$549,709,759
$330,412,102
$20,543,822
JUN 16
$601,143,538
$363,127,819
$22,380,319
B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
BAY EDA HIRES GARRETT WRIGHT AS VICE PRESIDENT Bay Economic Development Alliance (BayEDA) announced in September the hire of Garrett Wright who joined the BayEDA team as Vice President. Wright comes to BayEDA from Eutaw Construction Company, Inc. where he performed in project management on large civil construction projects around the Southeast, including Baton Rouge, LA and Knoxville, TN. The experience in civil construction has delivery, both of which are vital to success in economic development. Wright has also served in Greater Hattiesburg, MS as the Director of Business Development, Economic Development at the Area Development Partnership. While at the Area Development Partnership, Wright was instrumental in numerous successful economic development projects. These economic development projects brought thousands of jobs to Greater Hattiesburg and the investment of hundreds of millions of dollars into the community. Successful projects ranged from advanced manufacturing facilities, solar field developments, information technology centers, mixed-use developments, and retail development. A few notable projects include Green Bay Converting, Origis Energy and Strata Solar, General Dynamics IT, and Midtown Hattiesburg. Wright has been actively involved with Southern Economic Development Council, Southern Miss True South Basic Economic Development Course, and United Way. Garrett, a Mississippi native, holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Construction Engineering and earned a Master’s of Science in Economic Development from the University of SOuthern Mississippi. In his spare time, Garrett enjoys flipping houses, coaching youth sports, hiking, and all other outdoor activities.
July - September 2017 Demographic Snapshot Bay County Population: 184,007 Median Age: 39 Labor Force: 91,120 Average Wage: $38,510
Households: 77,219 Household Income: $49,545 Per Capita Income: $39,717
Bay County bed tax collections
PANAMA CITY BEACH
MEXICO BEACH
PANAMA CITY
MAY 17
$418,339
$13,670
$31,852
MAY 16
$365,682
$12,666
$30,468
% CHANGE
14.40%
7.93%
4.54%
JUN 17
$772,115
$25,687
$40,797
JUN 16
$693,277
$24,197
$41,991
% CHANGE
11.37%
6.16%
-2.84%
JUL 17
$967,841
$29,642
$52,596
JUL 16
$864,593
$26,564
$53,147
% CHANGE
11.94%
11.59%
-1.04%
Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport passenger traffic
TOTAL PASSENGERS
COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS
JUN 17
101,618
1,332
JUL 17
111,462
1,362
AUG 17
90,610
1,207
JUN 16
95,814
1,448
JUL 16
97,902
1,632
AUG 16
78,629
1,134
National, state & local unemployment rate (Aug 1990 to Aug 2017) August Unemplyment Rate 12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Bay County
Florida
United States
B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
23
technology Kiosks In Business by: Taylor Smith, Vice President of Communications, Bay County Chamber of Commerce
A
s businesses across the United States look to the future and are attempting to keep up with the demands of Millennials, consumers are noticing more technology being used in their favorite stores. Big companies report they are looking to new technologies to help them cut overhead costs, improve production times and offer more self-service functions to speed up the buying process for their customers. To solve these common business problems, companies are looking to new technologies like kiosks for assistance. "If you are in business, you want to solve a problem," said Dr. Emmanuel Hernandez, Assistant Professor of Business and Technology at Gulf Coast State College. "Technology is a way to make the solutions to those problems easier, faster and hopefully cheaper. Kiosks are the next big piece of technology being used in the business community to change the customer experience." One business in Bay County, McDonald's, reports it is changing its business models to include kiosks in lobbies, allowing a new way for customers to be involved in the ordering process and further enhancing the customer's experience. McDonalds' rollout of the "Create Your Taste" touch screen kiosks, offers customers the ability to customize their meals while providing full-menu ordering. McDonald's staff report
24
B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
the kiosk allows the customer to order exactly what they want while minimizing order errors. Employees fear the new systems will result in less jobs. A McDonald's spokeswoman addressed that concern stating, "Our CEO, Steve Easterbrook, has said on many occasions that self-order kiosks in McDonald's restaurants are not a labor replacement. They provide an opportunity to transition backof-the-house positions to more customer service roles such as concierges and table service where they are able to truly engage with guests and enhance the dining experience." Following a survey to their customers last year, Gulf Power decided to transition to kiosks to allow for quick and convenient payments. Now, representatives who were once behind the counter are serving customers as Customer Consultants. The consultants are available to help customers not only understand the new and improved ways to pay their bill, but more importantly, they now have the time to assist customers with energy efficiency solutions and other value-added products and services. "The innovation of the new technology in our operations helps in providing services that fit the lives of our customers and ways to make it easier for our customers to interact with us whether online or in person," said Rick DelaHaya,
Marketing Supervisor of Gulf Power. "The new kiosks help us provide exceptional customer value while placing an exciting emphasis on customer engagement. New technologies, rising customer expectations and the need to support more sophisticated customer interactions keeps the customer at the center of all we do." A more prominent example of a kiosk being used are smartphone apps. Businesses such as Walmart are using their app to allow consumers to place orders, make payments, track rewards and more. Walmart customers are able to use the app for some aspects of the checkout process instead of waiting until they reach the counter and then will be able to bypass the main queue to get in and out of the store more quickly. The transitions businesses are making as a result of using kiosks are allowing them to take the same amount of resources and be more productive than they were before. Thanks to the new technology, use the same number of employees and focus on new customer service issues machines are not able to assist with. "With more customers comes more business demands," said Dr. Hernandez. "Businesses must utilize their resources to meet those demands." Dr. Hernandez stated business owners are often hesitant to implement new technology because they fear their customers will not use it. "They are not using it because they do not understand it," said Hernandez. "If they want people to use it, they need to teach people how to use it."
Hernandez suggested using a transition period when launching a new technology service. Instead of moving the staff from one position to another all at once, he suggests using some of the employees to teach customers how to use the new technology while keeping the other staff in the same position. As customers become familiar with the new process, more employees can then be moved into the new roles. This way, customers can be educated on the new technology, will understand it, and will become increasingly excited for it. Another way to teach people about the new technology is to hold workshops or create instructional videos. Simple educational materials teach customers about the new technology and can be a reference point for questions. By having a place for customers to learn how to use the technology, more people will be able to make the transition to the newer market trends without feeling left behind. "The new generation, generation z or 'boomlets', have never lived in a world without technology," said Hernandez. "If you want to be in business in the future, you need to adapt to the needs of the future generations." It is known that the incoming generations want more things quicker. Technology, such as the kiosk, offers you the tools required to respond to those needs easier and quicker.
B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
25
IN A SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON
THE CHOICE IS CLEAR
VS CULLIGAN速 AQUA-CLEER速 REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM
WATER PITCHER FILTER
HEALTH & SAFETY Culligan multi-stage filtration is the clear winner and is certified to reduce over 40 contaminants* including lead, nitrates and chlorine, while filter pitchers typically reduce 5 or less contaminants.
CONVENIENCE With Culligan速 Aqua-Cleer速, you have a virtually unlimited supply of water at the touch of a button, right from your faucet. No large, clumsy pitcher taking up space in your fridge.
CAPACITY
13 13
Pitcher filters need to be replaced every 40 gallons, which gets pricey. The Culligan solution provides 30 gallons per day on only one filter change per year.
$13 AS AS LOW
Get great-tasting, clean, clear water from your kitchen at the touch Emerald Coast Culligan faucet Emerald Coast Culligan of a button. emeraldcoastculligan.com 850-763-1721 emeraldcoastculligan.com 850-763-1721
Owned and operated by the Trumbull Owned family and foroperated 60 yearsby the Trumbull family for 60 yea
PER MONTH
Limited time offer. Dealer participation may vary. *Contaminants may not be in your water.
EmeraldCoastCulligan.com
850-763-1721
Owned and operated by the Trumbull family for 60 years
26
B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
I have a renewed sense of purpose and deep gratItude. Mayor Van W. Johnson, Sr. Heart Patient Mayor of Apalachicola
When it’s time for surgery, you can count on the team at Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center. Whether you have your surgery same-day or inpatient, our team is ready to care for you before, during and after. We want you to have the best surgical experience possible, so we make sure we’re providing a safe environment and guide you and your family through the process with care. With minimally invasive surgeries available, patients experience better results and quicker recovery. Some of our surgeries are also available with robotic-assisted technology.
Minimally Invasive Surgery at Gulf Coast Regional Ortho
Gastro
Neuro
Knee
Gallbladder
Head
Hip
Appendix
Shoulder
Colon
Ankle
Hernias
CV
Oncology
Women’s
Robotic
Lung
Hysterectomy
Ortho
Neck
Vascular
Breast
Spine
Back
- aortic endograft
Colon
Uterine Fibroids
Spine
Pelvic Floor Repair
GYN General
Foot
For more information or physician referral, please call 844-582-2346 or visit gcmc-pc.com
workforce connection The Importance of Lifelong Learning to Your Career by: Kim Bodine, Executive Director, CareerSource Gulf Coast and John Holdnak, President, Gulf Coast State College
O
nce upon a time, only those who were overachievers continued to invest both time and money in their ongoing learning and education after they landed their dream job and were building their career. Those were not the days my friends.
manned vehicle systems, insurance and professional development. If you're looking for academic training to get a top job or change careers, Corporate College offers 150+ academic and vocational programs.
In a 2016 Pew Research Center survey, “The State of American Jobs,� found that 87% of workers believe it will be essential for them to get training and develop new job skills throughout their work life in order to keep up with changes in the workplace. Sure, some of this means, in order to keep up with emerging technologies, workers will need training, but really, lifelong learning is more than just specific job skills training necessary to keep up. Lifelong learning is really about getting ahead, having the knowledge and critical thinking skills to innovate and to understand the emerging demands and opportunities of our workplace and our world. Employers are not only looking for workers with advanced technical skills, although that is very important, they are looking for workers who stay current in scientific and cultural trends, workers who can gain and retain knowledge in order to innovate and find new, more efficient and effective ways of doing things, and can collaborate with team members whether in person or in a virtual setting. Critical thinking skills are a big part of learning and innovating. Education and learning are great opportunities to hone those skills. At the local level, Corporate College provides workforce training for almost any kind of business or industry in health, public safety, manufacturing, contractor, IT/Computer, un-
28
B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
Courses in leadership, entrepreneurship, non-profit management and more can help everyone from professionals who find themselves in a supervisory role for the first time to owners of small businesses who seek to expand their market presence. If the courses your business needs are not listed at www.gulfcoast.edu/corporatecollege, then contact a program developer at the College who can work with you to create customized content. With everything Corporate College offers, your workforce will be able to adapt to anything the future holds!
OPENING NIGHTS at F LO R I DA STAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
COMING TO FSU PANAMA CITY
SIERRA HULL - 12/9
BRIA SKONBERG - 2/24
PRESENTED BY
TO SEE THE FULL-SEASON CALENDAR AND BUY TICKETS, VISIT OPENINGNIGHTS.FSU.EDU
17/18
C E L E B RAT I N G 2 0 Y E A R S O F T H E A RTS
Other world-class performances in Tallahassee include: A Far Cry, George Benson, Michael McDonald & more!
B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
29
Bay County Chamber of Commerce
The Bay County Chamber is pleased to announce the 35th class of Leadership Bay. This group creates a broadened network of well-informed leaders whose strengthened commitment to community involvement will affect positive change in Bay County. Leadership Bay was founded in 1983 and is a community leadership development program of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce. Based on the premise that people are our most important resource, the purpose of the program is to offer potential leaders a curriculum in community leadership training. Welcome the class of 2017-2018: Jason J. Alves, Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors; Philip Cunningham III, Aspire Financial Partners; Jason English, Brock Lawn and Pest Control, Inc.; J. Dia Green, Jinks Middle School; Hollee Hansen, United Way of Northwest Florida; Tammy Huston, NAI TALCOR; Nikki Jackson, Gulf Coast State College; Dana Kerigan, Kerigan Marketing Associates, Inc.; Delilah King, Booze Allen Hamilton Engineering; Erica Martin, FSU Panama City; Jennifer McCabe, Applied Research Associates, Inc.; Ashley McDaniel, Plum Delightful Antiques; Angela McLane, Carpe Diem Community Solutions, Inc.; Pamela Norman, Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center; Brent Patrick, Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center; Tim Prather, Summit Bank; Sabara Quinn, Early Education 30
B AY B I Z
|
and Care, Inc.; Christy Rogers, Life Management Center of NW FL; Joshua Rogers, Gulf Power Company; Brittany Roles, Bay Medical Sacred Heart; Brian Ross, A Superior Air Conditioning Company; Craig Segrest, Emerald Coast Behavioral Hospital; Brianna Webb, Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau. Also thank you to the 2017 - 2018 Steering Committee for all of their hard work and dedication: Chairman Brian Upton, Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center; Vice Chair Brooke Bullard, Anchorage Children's Home; Sara Backus, Kerigan Marketing Associates, Inc.; Nick Beninate, Harrison Sale McCloy; Olivia Crosby, Florida Realtors; Kevin Francis, Bay County Sheriff’s Office; Elizabeth Hooks, Gulf Coast State College; Brian Humboldt, The Gayle & Brian Foundation; Amanda Jowers, TruePath Financial of Raymond James; Rebecca Kelly, FSU Panama City; Jacob Mann, Community Bank; Holly Pituch, St. Andrew Bay Land Co.; Shelley Scarborough, Gulf Power Company; Michelle Weiss, Harris Corporation.
Bay Young Professional Spotlight Jennifer Guynn is a Private Banker for Summit Bank’s Panama City office, where she cultivates business and builds client relationships with impeccable service. Jennifer has over 9 years of banking experience, achieving skills in identifying financial opportunities, and establishing solutions for clients’ needs. She believes it is important to invest in others, and enjoys giving back to the community. Jennifer has been a loaned executive for the United Way of Northwest Florida for over four years. She is an active member of the Bay Young Professionals, serving on the Steering Committee, and is a new member of the Junior League of Panama City.
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
Together with Summit Bank’s dental partnerships, Jennifer has spent the last two years volunteering for the Florida Dental Association’s Mission of Mercy, and served this past year on the FDA Foundation’s Leadership Committee. Jennifer was born and raised in Bay County where she attended Mosley High School and Gulf Coast State College. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Chase, their daughter, Kamryn, and their Golden Retriever, Ruby. Together, they love traveling, boating, impromptu road trips, and FSU football. GO NOLES!
Kerigan Marketing Associates
Kerigan Marketing Associates, Inc. (KMA) was named to Florida State University’s inaugural Seminole 100. Presented by Florida State University, the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, the FSU Alumni As-
sociation and Inc. magazine, the Seminole 100 recognizes the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned by FSU alumni. Inc. magazine, using the criteria they developed for their annual Inc. 5000 list, calculated each company’s compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past three years to generate the ranking. Recently the firm received a Silver ADDY in the Florida-Caribbean region of the American Advertising Federation 2017 Awards where their “Like You” video for Life Management Center Mental Health won among competitors including Publix, McDonald’s and SeaWorld.
Paula Pickett, a 1992 FSU graduate, and Dylan Johnston, a graphic design intern and current FSU computer science student.
she is responsible for the day-to-day management of the HR operations. Tanya earned her B.S. degree in Social Science at Florida State University-Panama City and holds the credential of Society of Human Resources Management-Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). She previously worked at Panhandle Educators FCU as the Marketing/HR Director. Current community involvement includes Bay Arts Alliance Board of Directors and Emerald Coast Business Women’s Association. In past years she has served on various boards and committees including the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, Bay Education Foundation and United Way of NW FL.
Bill Kinsaul Clerk of Court & Comptroller Bill Kinsaul Clerk of Court & Comptroller is pleased to announce Tanya Deal has joined his team as the Human Resources Director where
Jack Kerigan founded the company, in 2001, after 15 years in corporate brand marketing with RJR Nabisco and Community Coffee. He earned a B.S. in Marketing from FSU School of Business, in 1990, and later an MBA. Co-owner, Dana Kerigan, received a B.S. from FSU School of Business, in 2001, and is a Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.). Company staff also includes Digital Marketing Manager,
Have a submission for the Biz List? Please contact Taylor Smith at 850-215-3755 or via email taylor@baycountyfl.com.
Contact us for personalized, one-on-one private banking services you can count on for you and your business.
Your Financial Partner
• Real Estate and Business Acquisition • Restructure/Refinancing Existing Debt • Lines of Credit
PANAMA CITY
PANAMA CITY BEACH
FT. WALTON BEACH
PENSACOLA
(850) 785-3669
(850) 249-4659
(850) 362-1220
(850) 433-5950
Visit us online at www.summit.bank B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
31
INDUSTRY APPRECIATION
CELEBRATION
During the month of September, the Bay County Chamber of Commerce hosts Industry Appreciation Celebration, shining a spotlight on companies that help diversify Bay County’s economy. The month long celebration is designed to acknowledge existing industries in appreciation for their impact in the community and their contributions to Bay County.
THANKS TO OUR Sponsors:
Gulf Power, Gulf Coast State College, Hancock Bank, Bay County Board of Commissioners, Bay Medical Sacred Heart, Berg Steel Pipe Co., City of Panama City, The Clemons Company, Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort, FSU Panama City, GAC Contractors, Maritech Machine, Panama City Toyota, Peaden Air Conditioning, Port Panama City, Pregnancy Resource Center of Panama City, ReliantSouth Construction Group, RSAE Labs, Inc., Southern Earth Sciences, Summit Bank, Trustmark Bank, and WestRock
Business Expansion Applied Research Associates Applied Research Associates (ARA) is an employee owned scientific research and engineering company that focuses mainly on the defense industry, infrastructure, health solutions, energy and the environment. The company’s operation in Bay County has a total of 91 employees with offices at Tyndall Air Force Base and downtown Panama City. The expansion was specifically of the ARA Communication, Marketing and Training Group within their downtown offices that grew from 12 to 26 employees in 2016 with an average wage of $62k annually. The expansion included equipment purchases including 4k capable video equipment, Steadicam camera and 4k drone capability that helps capture aerial view of highway features and transportation construction projects for the Federal Highway Administration. Other clients include the Halyard Health and the United States Air Force.
32
B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
Newcomer RSAE Labs, Inc. RSAE Labs, Inc. has developed a new way for sensor devices to wirelessly communicate and enable GPS-denied tracking. Their unique mesh of communications technology and resilience of their devices has been validated through years of worldwide deployments in some of the harshest military environments. With this technology, mobile, battery-powered devices can automatically form and optimize a two-way encrypted mesh communications network between each other. Unlike other wireless communication methods, this innovative protocol can sustain secure data transmissions for months with hundreds of hops over several miles using just an a-size battery. Applications include yard and warehouse management, continuous cargo visibility, rail car safety, bridge monitoring, first responder tracking, and last-resort communications for military and commercial customers.
Innovation Mine Survival, Inc. (MSI) Mine Survival, Inc. (MSI) is a Panama City Beach-based company with technology developed at Gulf Coast State College. Funded by the Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research, the company manufactures cutting-edge surface rebreathers that enable breathing in toxic environments. The company has created a Closed-Circuit Escape Respitator (CCER) for the mining industry with a unique, patented vest that sets new industry performance standards by providing respiratory protection that is up to three times longer than the current standard while costing less than the competition. Upon start-up, the company has brought in $1.75 million to bay county. In the next five years, the company plans to increase their staffing to 50 employees and will focus on manufacturing, research and development, engineering and administration of new products.
Entrepreneurship Amavida Coffee & Trading Company Amavida Coffee & Trading Company is an importer, roaster, and distributor of organic and fair trade coffee and tea products. They opened in 2004 and have grown their staffing from two to 17 employees in Bay County, with a total of 40 employees working for the company all together. Over the last five years, Amavida has increased their sales from 1.8 million to 3.9 million while striving to build long-term relationships with their customers. The business was started in a small warehouse. Amavida Coffee was inspired by owner Don Bailey’s upbringing where he witnessed the challenges faced by coffee farming communities. Alongside his wife, Sally, the two owners grew a business they say is dedicated to contributing to the sustainable development of the community where they operate and source their goods. The company hopes to offer memorable and enjoyable moments centered around coffee for their customers, workforce and producers, with an aim to improve quality of life.
Export Excellence Carter Pecan Company Carter Pecan Company specializes in the marketing and distribution of internationally U.S.-grown raw commodities such as tree nuts and dried fruits. Operated out of Bay County, the company markets pecans from Georgia, as well as other tree nuts from California, directly from growers to processors and retailers worldwide. The company provides up-to-date market insight and statistics to partners and customers, as well as other pertinent information to market to the end user such as nutritional data. 90 % of Carter Pecan Company’s sales comes from exports and the company has seen a $20 million increase in sales since 2014, exporting to markets including Asia and Europe. Carter Pecan Company’s focus on quality and consistency in both products and customer service has allowed them to become one of the top three exporters of inshell pecans in the U.S. with six international offices on three continents. B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
33
NOW SERVICING PANAMA CITY!
423.677.8022 Jim Cash, Sales Jcash@dluxprinting.com 850.457.8494 Darrell Jensen, General Manager Darrell@dluxprinting.com 34
B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
They serve at Tyndall but live and shop in Panama City! Let us help you serve over 10,000 military members, retirees, civilians, contractors and their families. Tyndall Air Force Base events are just like other communities - 5K runs, Egg Hunts, 4th of July celebrations, Back to School kick offs, Fall Festivals, Breakfast with Santa and more. Join us in hosting morale boosting events for the Airmen and their families at Tyndall while advertising and promoting your business.
Kelsey Hrabik Commercial Sponsorship & Advertising Coordinator 850.283.4193 Kelsey.Hrabik@us.af.mil
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE
B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
35
new members
from June 1, 2017 - September 14, 2017
ADP 1707 Clay Ave. Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 405-7452
DSI Security Services 400 W. 11th St., Suite C Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 740-3962
Out of the Blue PO Box 27030 Panama City, FL 32411 (850) 629-9955
Serenity Spa at Bay Point 4200 Marriott Dr. Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 236-6028
Alice’s on Bayview 1000 Bayview Ave. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 640-4516
Dwight Hicks Real Estate 315 Harrison Ave. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 215-1616
Panama Pizzeria 3123 Thomas Dr. Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 775-4060
Sheraton Bay Point Resort 4114 Jan Cooley Dr. Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 236-6000
Appliance Center 21 W. Oak Ave. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 785-6184
Dynamic Security 6425 N. Pensacola Blvd. Pensacola, FL 32505 (850) 471-2667
Panhandle Promos, LLC. 1810 Calhoun Ave. Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 483-1347
Simply Seafood 429 Ohio Ave. Lynn Haven, FL 32444 (850) 248-0429
The Aqua Park/Surf N Sun Recreation 117 Manistee Dr. Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 628-6949
Employee Solutions 672 Brent Lane Pensacola, FL (850) 477-2154
Paradigm Leaders, LLC. 3371 Hwy 90 Bonifay, FL 32425 (850) 866-0485
Flip Flops Restaurant 4114 Jan Cooley Dr. Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 236-6000
Paradise Properties 323 Gulf View Dr. Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 588-7136
Southeastern Surveying & Mapping Corp. 1130 US Hwy. 90 Chipley, FL 32428 (850) 638-0790
Gigli Enterprises, Inc. 4833 E. Bus. Hwy. 98 Panama City, FL 32404 (850) 871-4777
Patsy’s New Orleans Cookery 448 Harrison Ave. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 257-5054
The Artist Cove Studio Gallery 2500 Country Club Dr. Lynn Haven, FL 32444 (850) 215-2080 Artistic Balloons & Flowers 929 Cherry St. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 763-1816 Bar 72 4114 Jan Cooley Dr. Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 235-6978 Bay Credit Union 1302 Ohio Ave. Lynn Haven, FL 32444 (850) 785-6103 Bay Credit Union 7713 Front Beach Rd. Panama City Beach, FL 32408 Bay Credit Union 103 S. Tyndall Parkway Panama City, FL 32404 (850) 872-3737 Bay Haven Charter Academy 2501 Hawks Landing Blvd. Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 248-3500 Central Medical Billing PO Box 1250 Panama City, FL 32402 (850) 832-5529 Coastal Wildlife Consultation, LLC. 465 Grace Ave. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 252-6362
Gulf Coast Regional Medical Care 4121 W. Hwy 98 Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 872-9701 Gulf Coast Regional Medical Care PCB 16181 PCB Parkway Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 249-1000 Ideal Climate Experts 4517 W 23rd St. Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 249-1724 Jersey Mike’s Subs 741 W. 23rd St. Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 640-4752 Jersey Mike’s Subs 15750 PCB Parkway Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 588-5309 Los Antojitos 1236 Beck Ave. Panama City, FL 32401 Lucky’s Market 2329 MLK Blvd. Panama City, FL 32401 My Hometown Furniture 2808 Hwy 77 Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 215-2238
Pelican’s Bar & Grill 4114 Jan Cooley Dr. Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 236-6000 PFlag Panama City PO Box 15293 Panama City, FL 32406 No phone number Plum Delightful Antiques 1450 Jenks Ave. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 769-6979 Portfolio Real Estate Management 16500 PCB Parkway Panama City Beach, FL 32413 Recovery Room Awning & Marine 1812 Summer Oak Ct. Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 234-0238 Redstone Payment Solutions 690 Yellow Bluff Rd. Panama City, FL 32404 (727) 331-9662 Restaurant Equipment Depot 1820 W. 15th St. Panama City, FL (850) 238-6050
Speedy Beach Car Wash 8021 Panama City Beach Parkway Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 814-6638 Speedy Calaway Express Wash 252 N. Tyndall Parkway Panama City, FL 32404 (850) 814-6638 Stewart & Shoman Reporting 2101 Northside Dr. #203 Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 769-7178 Thompson e-File 708 W. 11th St. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 763-2255 Tides Restaurant 4114 Jan Cooley Dr. Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 236-6000
member anniversaries from June 1, 2017 - September 14, 2017
5 years Academy of Eye Care Allstate Harry Grizzle Agency Dick’s Last Resort Doorways of NWFL Geico Insurance Harley Davidson of PCB Meadows & Kelley P.A. Taco Bell 23rd St. Treatment Center of Panama City Verizon Wireless Whataburger
10 years AAAA Self Storage Area Glass La Quinta Inn & Suites Littco Engineering Panama City POPS Orchestra Viamedia Wiregrass Warehouse
15 years CYber SYtes, Inc. Cox Pools Gulf Marine Stantec
DON ALD GI LES MAI, SRA Cert. Gen. RZ356
Commercial and Residential Property Valuations
20 years Bay, Franklin, Gulf Healthy Start Coalition Inc. El Governor Motel Florida Linen Tillman Investments, LLC.
30 years Entera Branding and Consulting LLC First Baptist Church of Panama City
Emplo
Position
Company Name ®
25 years B&S Liquors, Inc.
122 E 4th St Panama City, Fl, 32401 Phone: 850-769-6593 Fax: 850-872-9160 gilesappraisal@knology.net
Employee Name Position Title
Street Address Address 2 City, ST ZIP Code Phone: 555.555.0125 Fax: 555.555.0145 E-mail address
Emplo
Position
We have one life to live. better, C o m p aTo n ylive Na me we must LIVE UNITED.
60 years Barron & Redding, P.A.
w w w . U n i t e d W a Street y N W FAddress L.org Address 2 City, ST ZIP Code Phone: 555.555.0125 Fax: 555.555.0145
GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. Employee Name Position Title
E-mail address
Company Name Street Address Address 2
Emplo
Position
presents the
2018 Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony on
Friday
JAN 19
At 5:30 PM
Tickets available online at PanamaCity.org
38
B AY B I Z
|
O C TO B ER - D EC EM B ER 2017
REAL. LOCAL. SAVINGS. See how much you could save on car insurance today. Get your free quote!
850-785-0538
1314 North Tyndall Parkway, Panama City
Saving people money on more than just car insurance.® Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. Homeowners, renters and condo coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2017. © 2017 GEICO
2 3 5 W. 5 T H S T R E E T PA N A M A C I T Y, F L 3 2 4 0 1
Congratulations Jimmy Patronis, Florida’s New CFO!
(850) 785-1591