JOBS
That’s Our BUSINESS Whether you’re a job seeker looking for a great opportunity, or an employer in search of the best candidates for your position, we have you covered in Bay, Gulf and Franklin Counties. CareerSource Gulf Coast is a powerful network of workforce professionals helping employers and job seekers. From classes and training, to hosting employer recruiting events: We offer these quality services and more - all at no cost! Don’t waste another moment. Connect with CareerSource Gulf Coast, where jobs are our business!
Connect today with our workforce professionals
careersourcegc.com 850.872.4340
CareerSource Gulf Coast is an equal opportunity employer/program operated in partnership with Gulf Coast State College and the CareerSource Gulf Coast Board. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.
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POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE
Election 2014: Meet Your Elected Leaders
FEATURE
Edge Aerodynamix: Bringing New Jobs and Technology to Bay County
TRENDS
Expand Your Reach on Social Media
FIRST RESPONDERS APPRECIATION ECONOMIC PROFILE EDA Insights
20 EDUCATION Hitting The Ground Running: Dr. John 22 24 26 30 34 36 37 38
Holdnak Returns to Gulf Coast State College
DEFENSE INTEL
Helping Families of Deployed Airmen During the Holidays
WORKFORCE CONNECTION BIZ LIST BYP MEMBERS TO KNOW CHAMBER EVENTS CALENDAR NEW MEMBERS MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES OUT & ABOUT BAY BIZ | JANUARY - MARCH 2015
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PUBLISHER Carol Roberts EXECUTIVE EDITOR Brittany Cole CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Scarlett Phaneuf Sean Brosnan Theresa Moran Brittany Cole Nancy Schlagheck Airman 1st Class Alex Echols LAYOUT & DESIGN Sean Brosnan (GORGEOUS - Strategic Branding & Design) COVER Edge Aerodynamix Courtesy of: Desiree Gardner Photography
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Brittany Cole, Desiree Gardner Photography, and CareerSource Gulf Coast BAY BIZ MAGAZINE c/o Bay County Chamber of Commerce 235 W. 5th Street – P.O. Box 1850 Panama City, FL 32402 850.785.5206 information@baychamberfl.com Online: www.panamacity.org facebook.com/baychamberfl twitter.com/baychamberfl The Bay Biz is published quarterly by the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 1850, Panama City, FL 32402 | 850.785.5206 POSTMASTER send address changes to: Bay County Chamber, P.O. Box 1850, Panama City, FL 32402 or email Brittany@baychamberfl.com.
The Bay Biz welcomes story ideas from its readers. Email to Brittany@baychamberfl.com. Each Chamber Member receives one copy. To request additional copies, contact 850-785-5206.
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BAY BIZ | JANUARY - MARCH 2015
Global access with daily flights on Delta, Southwest and United Airlines
NONSTOP SERVICE TO: ATLANTA | BALTIMORE | DALLAS HOUSTON | NASHVILLE | ST. LOUIS and connections to the rest of the world.
IFlyBeaches.com BAY BIZ | JANUARY - MARCH 2015
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Thank goodness the holidays are behind us! I don’t know about you, but they are simply exhausting to me. Now it is time to kick off a new year and start the process all over again. It’s 2015. Aren’t we supposed to be flying around in our own little space ships like we used to see in the Jetsons? Before I talk about 2015, I have to first reflect on some of our highlights in 2014 under the leadership of Larry Carroll, Chairman of the Board (and owner of Coldwell Banker/Carroll Realty). I’ve enjoyed working with Larry, and he is certainly to be commended for going above and beyond the call of duty; and taking time away from his business to meet his volunteer commitment to this organization and community.
District Schools. In the last quarter alone, our organization and community celebrated United Airlines Express starting service this March at ECP; funding for the replacement of the Laird Bayou Bridge at Eastern Shipbuilding (thanks to Governor Scott) and lastly the announcement of Edge Aerodynamix.
We started off 2014 with a bang with 653 members present at our Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony; we closed for the first ever ice storm; PC Beach Chamber recognized me (of all people) with their Pioneer of the Year award; we brought home three Communications awards from the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals (FACP); said farewell to Col. Graff and welcomed Col. France to TAFB; led the campaign and won a new bed tax for the City of Panama City; brought back Industry Appreciation festivities and our Career Connections had a record number of students participate from Bay
The official passing of the gavel from Larry Carroll to Andrew Levy of Harrison Sale McCloy, will take place later this month at our Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony. We sincerely look forward to working with Andrew to pursue our priorities for the year. Topping our priorities is to work closely with the leadership of Alignment Bay to pursue a more focused effort toward education unity to meet the ever changing needs of the business community. As the year goes on, you will hear more about this exciting program being driven by CareerSource Gulf Coast and many community leaders. Of course, we have many other priorities on a governmental affairs level, i.e. pursuing a multitude of transportation projects; opening of East Pass and a downtown location for the Business Innovation Center (BIC) through RESTORE funding; continuing to fight the ridiculous fishing regulations and much more. The Chamber will continue its reputation of having the best Military Affairs Committee (MAC) in the country and will work to grow its membership from its current 260 members to 300 in 2015. If you are a member in good standing of this Chamber, the Panama City Beach
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Chamber, or any of our five surrounding counties, you can join MAC and support our military communities at Tyndall, Naval Support Activity, our Coast Guard, Reserves and our efforts to assist the leadership of the Warrior Beach Retreat. I’m sure most are aware chambers are financially self-supporting, and are not a part of any city, county, state or federal agency, nor funded by tax dollars. We are solely supported by our dues paying members to improve and grow our communities to expand existing businesses, attract new business and industry that ultimately creates jobs for our families. We invite you to join our team as we pursue a better Bay. For membership information, please visit our website at PanamaCity.org, or better yet, call me at 850.215.3758, or any of our staff at 850.785.5206. We’d love to sign you up. In this issue, you will meet our 2015 leadership, learn more about Edge Aerodynamix, see our take on the November elections, meet some of our up and coming Bay Young Professionals (BYP), and see some of the executives on the move in our Biz List. Enjoy!
Carol Roberts President/CEO
Welcome to the Bay County Chamber of Commerce! As the Chamber of Commerce embarks on its 102nd year, it has the opportunity to lead the way towards a more prosperous Bay County. By working closely with local and regional leaders, government and military stakeholders, education leaders and economic development professionals we can continue to create positive economic opportunities for our members and the community at large. While it is a bit of a cliché to say that “you get back what you put into the Chamber”, I would encourage you to give it a try. While we can all stay LinkedIn or “friends” on Facebook or “followed” on Twitter, there is no organization in Bay County, no forum in the area and no replacement for the face-to-face networking that the Chamber offers. So, as our membership continues to grow, Chamber staff will continue to focus on meeting the needs of existing members and adapting to the needs of new members through multiple networking events that offer the opportunity to bring existing and new members together for the purpose of improving connectivity and individual business growth.
As the green shoots of development that began over the last few years in Bay County continue to grow, the Chamber and the rest of the business community need to ensure that our fundamental resources like our workforce, our health care community and our infrastructure continue to grow to match the needs of our community. We should all be encouraged by and applaud the willingness of many of our community leaders from our Chamber, the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Bay EDA, Bay District Schools and a host of others who are now working together more than ever to make Bay County the best place to live, work and play. Sincerely,
Andrew B. Levy Chairman, Bay County Chamber of Commerce
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Election 2014:
Meet Your Elected Leaders by: Theresa Moran, Vice President of Governmental Affairs Bay County Chamber of Commerce
As the 2014 mid-elections came to an end on November 4, 2014, many of our State’s incumbents remained the same, but a few names changed. There were also three amendments on the ballot with only one passing. According to FLORIDAWINS.ORG, the Florida voters put jobs & education first and believe Florida is on the right track. In Bay County, there are 112,636 registered voters and 57,602 or 51.14% actually voted during the election.
United States House of Representatives District 2: Gwen Graham (DEM) Democrat, Gwen Graham is our new Representative to the U.S. House. Her campaign platform was to work with anyone regardless of party affiliation, to create jobs, invest in education,
Amendment #1 – Passed
Water and Land Conservation – dedicates funds to acquire and restore Florida conservation and recreation lands. This amendment will fund the Land Acquisition Trust fund to acquire, restore, improve and manage conservation lands by dedicating 33 percent of net revenues from the existing excise tax on documents for 20 years.
Amendment #2 – Rejected
Use of Marijuana for Certain Medical Conditions
Amendment #3 – Rejected
Prospective Appointment of Certain Judicial vacancies
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BAY BIZ | JANUARY - MARCH 2015
keep taxes low and protect Medicare and Social Security. Gwen is married to Stephen D. Hurm, a law enforcement officer and general counsel for Florida’s Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles. They have three children, Sarah, Graham and Mark Ernest. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina and a law degree from American University in 1988. Prior to running for Representative, Gwen
was Chief of Labor and Employee Relations in the Leon County School district. She became known as a real problem-solver and was able to develop a strong relationship with both sides. She earned a reputation as a cool-headed negotiator through her ability to build consensus out of conflict.
State Representative District 5 – Brad Drake (REP) Republican Brad Drake’s campaign focused on fighting Common Core, enforcing immigration laws, creating business-friendly environment and jobs, protecting our state institutions, protection of our 2nd Amendment right to bear arms
High school and graduated with a degree in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship from Auburn University. He has worked at the Trumbull family business, Culligan Water, from a very early age. Jay is active in the local business community as a business member of the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Bay County Chamber of Commerce. Jay is married to Brittany Fishel and they are both active members of the First United Methodist Church in Panama City.
RE-ELECTED: Governor and Lieutenant Governor Rick Scott and Carlos Lopez-Cantera (REP) Attorney General Pam Bondi (REP) Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater (REP)
and cutting taxes. Brad is a lifelong resident of Northwest Florida and a graduate of the University of Florida. He served as Legislative Aide to State Representative Don Brown before his election to the term-limited seat in 2008. Rep. Drake was elected subsequently through 2012, and later stepped down from office when legislative redistricting placed him in the same seat as his friend, State Representative Marti Coley.
Brad currently resides in the Eucheeanna Community of Walton County, attends the 1st Baptist Church of DeFuniak Springs, is a small business owner and a member of the Board of Trustees at Northwest Florida State College.
State Representative District 6 – Jay Trumbull, Jr. (REP) Republican Jay Trumbull’s campaign concentrated on improving Bay County and Northwest Florida’s economy. His goals
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam (REP) First District Court of Appeals: Robert Tyrie Benton, II Chief Joseph Lewis Jr. Scott D. Makar Timothy D. Oserhaus L. Clayton Roberts Congratulations to all of our elected officials and we look forward to working with them on our legislative agenda items, while making Bay County a better place to live, work, and play.
are to keep more money in the economy and reduce red tape. Jay was born and raised in Panama City, Florida, graduated Bay
BAY BIZ | JANUARY - MARCH 2015
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line experience, 22,000 flight hours on numerous military and commercial aircraft, and has experience as an accident investigator and test pilot among many other achievements.
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n October 2014, almost 100 private and public sector leaders gathered for the Bay EDA’s unveiling of a “Special Job Creation Project”, not knowing what would be revealed, but knowing regardless of the news it was going to be good. Those in the audience were speculating, “Could it be new direct flights at the airport, a new distribution company at Port Panama City’s Intermodal Distribution Center or something completely different?” At the height of the anticipation, Chairman of the Bay County Board of County Commissioners (BCBOCC), Guy Tunnell, took the stage and announced that Edge Aerodynamix, Inc. (Edge) has chosen to locate in Bay County, creating 120 new, full-time, high wage jobs. The company is a pioneer in the aviation industry, and has developed a product that will generate significant fuel savings for all types of aircraft. Zana Ireland, President of Edge, and her husband A.J. Ireland also own and operate Digitrax, Inc. a high tech manufacturing firm located in Springfield. They began working with A.J.’s brother, Peter Ireland, several years ago to form this new technology. Peter is an aviation expert with over 30 years of air-
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In fact, it was on an existing industry call to Digitrax Inc., made in partnership with the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, Bay EDA, and CareerSource Gulf Coast, that this project came onto the radar screen of local leaders. “This is a great example of how important partnerships are in our local community,” said Neal Wade, Executive Director of the Bay EDA. “If we had not made that call together and became aware of the opportunity early on, it’s very possible this project could have gone elsewhere.” At the announcement, Zana Ireland said, “We could have chosen to locate anywhere on the planet and we chose Bay County. We’re excited to be here.” Bay County was able to beat out other locations in Washington State, the UK and Australia that were vying to secure these jobs for their own residents. The Irelands are familiar with the site selection process, and in 2008, they moved Digitrax, Inc. from the metro Atlanta area to Bay County bringing 30 new jobs to the local area. Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)’s assets and leadership also played a critical role in securing the project, as a great deal of Edge’s operations will be located at the economic engine. “We are proud the airport was able to help provide a competitive advantage that gave Panama City the edge over other communities under consideration,” said
Till Bruett, Chairman of the Board of ECP. “Attracting innovative companies to locate at the airport, not only helps create jobs, but also helps the airport grow. Growth at the airport means additional business opportunities, and in turn improving the airport’s ability to encourage more air service to our market.” ECP opened in May 2010, replacing the Panama City-Bay County International Airport (PFN), which was located in the heart of Panama City. The airport came to fruition after the leaders of Bay County recognized a new economic engine with a 10,000 foot runway and open land for development would help to take the community to the next level. The group of visionaries led the charge to construct this new facility knowing with continued growth in tourism, quality of life assets and a diverse industrial base, an enhanced airport could attract both economic development projects and new airlines. Surrounding ECP and encompassing thousands of acres is West Bay, a master planned community by the St. Joe Company, designed to create a new regional economic center anchored by the airport. A significant portion of the Bay EDA’s marketing efforts focus on the potential at ECP and West Bay and over the past three years, the agency has hosted several major companies looking to expand production at the site. Edge could be the first domino that will result in substantial job creation and business development for the area. To date, the company has been focused on research and development (R&D) of its products and decided to purchase its own Boeing 737-505 for testing on larger aircraft. The next step is for the company to begin production, which it hopes to
start within a year. With continued success in testing, the opportunities are limitless for this technology and what it could mean for Bay County. Edge is developing Conformal Vortex Generator (CVG) devices that reduce drag by reshaping the flow of air around an aircraft wing or other foil, such as a helicopter blade. The product also helps to protect the surface of the wing or foil, reduces C02 emissions, improves safety margins and is expected to save billions of dollars in fuel costs on all types of aircraft. The fuel savings alone make this a highly desirable product in the commercial airline industry and other industries with fleets of aircraft. As Edge advances in their plans, the opportunities also grow for Bay County. In addition to manufacturing there will also be jobs created by the company in R&D and marketing. In Bay County, the company plans to occupy hangars at ECP as well as construct a world headquarters, production facility and office space. A global organization, the company will also have international facilities in addition to its local operations. Locally, the capital investment anticipated by Edge adds up to $77.92 million including land. Chairman Tunnell agrees the potential is significant, “This is a wonderful opportunity for both this new and exciting company and Bay County’s economy. We hope for their continued success and expansion, and they will prove to be a magnet for other aeronautical industry players to our area.” To aid in the company’s growth, Edge will receive $720,000 in incentives, or $6,000 per new job created through the state’s Qualified Targeted Industry Tax Refund Program (QTI), which is designed to encourage the location of high-value businesses
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in the state. Enterprise Florida, the state’s economic development organization, played a critical role in recruiting the company and presenting a value proposition through QTI. The Bay County Board of County Commissioners also showed support for this project, contributing a 20% local match to the total QTI award. “We welcome Edge Aerodynamix to Bay County and are tremendously excited about the company’s fresh, innovative ideas and commitment to job growth,” said Chairman Tunnell. Chairman Tunnell’s excitement is echoed throughout the community as we welcome our newest corporate citizen, and commit to fulfilling their needs and creating an ecosystem to ensure their success. In economic development, the service doesn’t stop after the sale and we must continue our relationship with Edge. After all, it was through an existing industry program, designed to identify expanding companies
and those that might have barriers to success due to local business climate issues, this project was discovered. Several advantages to the Bay County business climate have already been identified by Zana Ireland, “This area gives our company plenty of room for future growth, an aviation-cen-
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tric workforce and offers a business friendly environment for our operations. We are thankful local leaders have placed their trust in us, and have partnered with us to make this dream a reality.”
Bay County please join us in welcoming, Edge Aerodynamix, Inc.! In addition to Edge Aerodynamix coming to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, United Airlines announced in November they plan to move to the site as well. The new service will connect the region to United’s Houston hub offering one-stop connections to over 150 domestic and international destinations. Welcome, United Airlines!
You Only Have One Heart . . . Only One Hospital Has the Area’s Best Survival Rates Bay Medical Sacred Heart Bay Medical Sacred Heart is recognized as one of the top-rated heart programs in the nation. Why? Because our mortality rates are among the lowest in the country and we have healed more hearts than any other program in the region.
Only Available at Bay Medical Sacred Heart • A comprehensive program including open-heart surgery – When time counts it’s important to have surgical back-up on-site so you don’t lose valuable time being transferred to another facility. • The area’s best survival rates for heart attack and heart failure. • Electrophysiology services, such as cardiac ablations, to treat patients with heart rhythm disorders. • Minimally invasive repair of holes in the heart from congenital heart defects. • Specialized technology for complex and high-risk patients, such as a tiny heart pump that can be inserted into the coronary arteries to ensure continuous blood flow during complex procedures. • Less-invasive robotic heart surgery – a service offered only at a handful of hospitals in the entire Southeast. • A team of more than 200 caregivers devoted specifically to heart care.
You Only Have One Heart -Only Trust it to One Hospital
615 N. Bonita Avenue Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 769-1511 w w w. b a y m ed i ca l. org
So you have all of your social profiles set up. Now what? Social media is far from a “if you build it, they will come” kind of process. You have to work to get results. That doesn’t mean you can’t work smarter. These next few points will give you the tips and tricks to expanding your social reach and building your brand on social media. 1. Engage • This cannot be said enough. In order to keep the fans/followers you have to grow and attract new ones, you have to engage. • Ask questions and respond in discussions on your profiles. • When responding, do it in a timely manner. Your potential client may go elsewhere if they think you’re not listening.
2. Content • Post relevant and engaging content. • It’s okay to share occasional posts from other pages or profiles but you’ll also want to create some of your own unique content. • Make it personal and funny. A real funny (but relevant post) may go viral.
3. Share • You’ll want to share your posts to your personal followers and fans. This allows you to reach out to potential fans you may not know you already had in your friends list. • Get your friends, family, coworkers, staff and neighbors to share your posts. • Have writer’s block? Keep the conversation on your pages going by sharing relevant and interesting articles.
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4. Email Newsletters • Include links to all of your social profiles in your newsletters. • Include links to share your newsletter and/or certain content or articles. If one of your loyal subscribers was to share your newsletter or a story you featured, they will allow you to expand your reach to their followers, and you may have a follower in more ways than one.
5. Scheduling Posts • Posting on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest from 1PM to 4PM is best. The worst timeframe to post content on Facebook and Twitter is 8PM to 8AM • If one of your followers has a lot of friends or have a ton of content on their newsfeed, your posts may go unseen. You can help prevent this by scheduling your posts. Most social networks allow scheduling of the posts straight from your browser or app. • Consider using HootSuite. It’s an amazing app that allows you to keep track of all of your main social media accounts. It also allows you to schedule posts and provides great analytical data of posts and engagement.
6. Contests • Host giveaways on your social profiles to give gifts to the person who shares (or re-shares) your content the most. This is a win-win for both parties. You get a ton of new shares, followers, likes, etc. and they get your gift. • The gift can be free or discounted services (which will allow you to provide your services to them and win them over as a customer).
8. Videos
7. Reviews
• Make videos (and post to your YouTube or Vimeo account). The videos can be recurring (weekly), or offer tips and tricks about a particular topic. • Videos that offer relevant and awesome information will be shared • Posting to YouTube (owned by Google) will help you in the long run with search engine optimization (SEO).
• Let’s be honest…you are more likely to engage with a business that has a good reputation on review sites (Google, Yelp, Facebook, and TripAdvisor). Others will feel the same way. Make sure you have your business properly on Google and Facebook and ask past clients to give you a review. • Monitor your online reputation carefully. If you receive a negative review, never respond argumentatively or negatively. Take this opportunity to speak to the negative reviewer directly. You can find out what caused the negative review and prevent it from happening again. Offer them a discount on their next order for their troubles.
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On October 23rd, the Bay County Chamber of Commerce and Tyndall Federal Credit Union held the 4th Annual First Responders Appreciation Luncheon. Local law enforcement, fire, EMS, and dispatch were honored. Chief Mark T. Giuliano, Fire Emergency Services Flight, 96th Civil Engineer Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, served as the Keynote speaker for the event. Chief Giuliano spoke on the challenges of being a First Responder, and how Bay County should be proud to be home to these brave men and women.
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from left to right - Christopher Taylor, Line of Duty award recipient; Kevin French, Multidisciplinary award recipient; Jamey Wright, Community Service award Recipient Awards were given in the categories of Line of Duty, Multidisciplinary, and Community Service. Congratulations to Panama City Police Department Corporal Christopher Taylor, who took home the Line of Duty award. Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport Fire Department Shift Manager, Kevin French, received the Multidisciplinary award. Panama City Beach Police Department Lieutenant Jamey Wright was honored with the Community Service award. Congratulations to all the First Responders who were nominated for the awards by their departments or family members.
And thank you to our 2014 First Responders Appreciation Task Force who worked diligently on this event: Chairman Matthew Lopez (Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center); Sheila Bradt (Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center); Tammy Dunaway (Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center); Debbi Geiger, (NHC Homecare); Vicki Gidley (Visiting Angels); James Kramer (Goldring Gulf Distributing); Debbie Massey (Coldwell Banker Carroll Realty); Karen Peeples (Emerald Coast Hospice); Brooke Powell (Bay County Emergency Operations Center); Jennifer Reale (Eye Center of North Florida); and Greg Wilson (State Attorney’s Office 14th Judicial Circuit)
LASIK for Heroes sponsored by Emerald Coast Hospice and the Eye Center of North Florida presented the 2014 winner, Panama City Firefighter Cole Suggs, with free LASIK eye surgery. Bay County Firefighter Brent Gibson, was also presented with the complimentary eye surgery. A special appreciation video was shown produced by the Bay County Chamber of Commerce and WMBB-TV. The video features local officials and First Responders. To view the project, visit PanamaCity.org. Thank you to Perry & Young for your sponsorship of this piece. A challenge coin was placed at the seat of everyone in attendance and boxes were sent to each department in Bay County to thank First Responders for their service. The donation of coins was made possible by Gulf Coast State College and Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center.
Special thanks to our sponsors:
Tyndall Federal Credit Union, Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center, Gulf Coast State College, Perry & Young, WMBB-TV, Emerald Coast Hospice, The Eye Center of North Florida, Bay Medical Sacred Heart, Superior Residences of Panama City Beach, and Gulf Power.
top - Members of the 2014 First Responders Appreciation Task Force bottom - Cole Suggs, LASIK for Heroes Winner BAY BIZ | JANUARY - MARCH 2015
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INSIGHTS: Bay EDA Update by: Neal Wade, Executive Director current labor statistics for Bay County
LABOR FORCE
EMPLOYED
UNEMPLOYED
UNEMPLOYED RATE
SEPT 14
91,226
86,009
5,217
5.7%
AUG 14
93,676
87,978
5,698
6.1%
JUL 14
95,000
89,326
5,674
6.0%
SEPT 13
91,632
85,640
6,120
6.2%
AUG 13
93,058
87,186
5,872
6.3%
JUL 13
94,608
88,488
6,120
6.5%
real estate sales EXISTING SINGLE FAMILY HOMES
REALTOR SALES
MEDIAN PRICE
REALTOR SALES
MEDIAN PRICE
SEPT 14
231
$195,000
20,792
$180,000
AUG 14
248
$165,000
21,742
$180,000
JUL 14
260
$179,000
22,099
$185,000
SEPT 13
192
$176,250
18,314
$170,000
AUG 13
243
$174,750
20,726
$175,000
JUL 13
192
$185,500
21,042
$178,500
CONDO - TOWNHOME SALES SEPT 14
130
$173,250
8,622
$142,700
AUG 14
138
$174,750
8,900
$136,000
JUL 14
130
$185,500
8,984
$137,500
JUL 13
146
$169,850
8,455
$130,000
JUN 13
139
$155,000
9,698
$130,000
MAY 13
136
$172,000
9,262
$128,000
Bay County building permits
RESIDENTIAL
COMMERCIAL
SEPT 14
48
4
AUG 14
39
0
JUL 14
48
2
JUL 13
29
0
JUN 13
34
1
MAY 13
18
2
Bay County sales tax collections
GROSS SALES
TAXABLE SALES
TAX COLLECTIONS
AUG 14
$661,834,735
$411,345,088
$24,949,376
JUL 14
$778,156,531
$395,836,976
$24,145,855
JUN 14
$565,454,503
$320,583,358
$19,831,992
AUG 13
$612,688,547
$371,675,143
$22,323,471
JUL 13
$708,325,557
$374,727,733
$22,995,219
JUN 13
$524,518,358
$296,160,294
$18,329,395
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This issue’s cover story focuses on the announcement that Edge Aerodynamix Inc. will make Bay County its global headquarters and begin producing a product that could dramatically reduce fuel costs for airplanes. The potential impact on an airline company’s bottom line should gain attention worldwide. Ever since Bay County’s leaders began discussing the airport relocation to an area with a longer runway and ample expansion room, we held the expectation of seeing major aerospace companies locate here. The airport is poised to become the economic engine that helps power growth in West Bay, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, and all of Bay County. Edge’s announcement may be the first major domino that attracts attention from other aerospace-related companies that will create real synergy. Venture Crossings, the Port’s Intermodal Distribution Center and others throughout Bay County, will benefit if we can get more companies in and around the airport. The goal for several years has been to brand Bay County as the next aerospace/ aviation hotspot. We are perfectly situated for competition with seven military bases in the region, a world-class port, and a growing aerospace workforce.
July - September 2014 Demographic Snapshot Bay County Population: 179,459 Median Age: 40 Labor Force: 90,424 Average Wage: $33,251
Households: 73,362 Household Income: $48,400 Per Capita Income: $24,859
Bay County bed tax collections
PANAMA CITY BEACH
MEXICO BEACH
AUG 14
$1,871,889
$53,775
AUG 13
$1,522,920
$43,857
% CHANGE
22.91%
22.61%
JUL 14
$3,463,577
$107,090
JUL 13
$3,143,165
$90,897
% CHANGE
10.19%
17.81%
JUN 14
$3,171,751
$100,556
JUN 13
$2,956,806
$93,244
% CHANGE
7.27%
7.84%
Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport passenger traffic
TOTAL PASSENGERS
COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS
SEPT 14
65,704
1,020
AUG 14
79,778
1,268
JUL 14
90,923
1,369
JUL 13
65,790
1,165
JUN 13
74,658
1,037
MAY 13
84,996
1,327
National, state & local unemployment rate (Jan 1990 to July 2013) 16.0
14.0
12.0
10.0
8.0
Florida US Bay County
6.0
4.0
2.0
Dec-13
Oct-12
May-13
Jan-11
Mar-12
Jun-10
Aug-11
Apr-09
Nov-09
Jul-07
Sep-08
Feb-08
Dec-06
Oct-05
May-06
Mar-05
Jan-04
Jun-03
Aug-04
Apr-02
Nov-02
Sep-01
Jul-00
Feb-01
Oct-98
Dec-99
May-99
Mar-98
Jan-97
Aug-97
Jun-96
Apr-95
Nov-95
Sep-94
Jul-93
Feb-94
Oct-91
Dec-92
Mar-91
May-92
Jan-90
Aug-90
0.0
BAY BIZ | JANUARY - MARCH 2015
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Hitting The Ground Running:
Dr. John Holdnak Returns to Gulf Coast State College by: Chris Thomes, Gulf Coast State College
I
t was the idea and opportunity to change the lives of deserving students that first brought Dr. John Holdnak to then Gulf Coast Community College in 1982, and ultimately, what brought him back. With strong roots in the Panhandle, a 26year career under his belt at the College and 32 years working in higher education, it was an easy decision to come home. “I’ve always had a special place in my heart for Gulf Coast, and made some of the best memories in my life here” he said. “I wanted to come back and spend the rest of my career here.” Holdnak spent the last six years working at the state-wide level for the Florida College System, attaining an in-depth understanding of how the legislative process works, how higher education and colleges are funded, and what Gulf Coast State College (GCSC) needs to do to help better prepare students for success in the workforce and at four-year institutions. “I’ve got
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BAY BIZ | JANUARY - MARCH 2015
a much better feel for not only how higher education is helping students in Bay, Gulf and Franklin counties improve their lives, but how we can have a regional impact, and how some of our students and programs can have a global impact as well,” said Holdnak. Attuned to the needs of both the college and the state, Holdnak assumed the presidency at GCSC on July 1, 2014. Now in his sixth month, he is focusing his efforts on establishing better partnerships between students and potential employers, faculty and students, and the college and the community. “The success of our college depends on the relationships we have on campus, across the street at FSU Panama City and within the community,” he said. “The more I can help to create, build, nurture and expand them, the better our college will support the students and communities we serve.”
Playing an integral part in community engagement is the Gulf Coast State College Foundation. “As Bob McSpadden used to say, they provide the margin of excellence – their support allows us to move from being a good institution to a great one,” said Holdnak. “I want all those who spend their time, energy and resources supporting the college to know not only how much we appreciate them, but that the College and the Foundation are two sides of the same coin. We are working closely towards the same goal, and that is to provide opportunities to students and our community they wouldn’t have otherwise.”
With flat funding levels for this year, Holdnak is using his experience working with all 28 Florida colleges to find more efficient and effective ways of doing things. “Based on how education is funded in Florida and based on how Gulf Coast is funded, we aren’t going to see large revenue streams flowing into the college with lots of new money any time soon,” he said. Available positions that open up are being evaluated as well as other areas to see where cuts can be made. In addition to making school operations “leaner and meaner,” he also envisions smart investments in the people who make up the institution. “The college is a fabulous place to work and our faculty and staff gets a lot of intrinsic rewards, but we want to better compensate them for the great things they do without raising tuition,” said Holdnak. “We want to attract, recruit, hire and retain the best and the brightest, and we are working together as a college to do that.”
As the college transitions into the first stages of a new 5-year strategic plan, one goal in particular has made its way to the forefront, and that is to establish GCSC as the community’s first choice for education, industry training, employment and personal enrichment. “This is an exciting time for GCSC, and with your help, I know we can continue the excellence this College is known for,” said Holdnak.
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BAY BIZ | JANUARY - MARCH 2015
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Helping Families of Deployed Airmen During the Holidays by: Airman 1st Class Alex Echols, 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The holidays have come and gone, and for most people that meant joyous times with family, but for many members of Team Tyndall, a part of their family was missing. Tyndall recently deployed more than 200 Airmen to serve their country, leaving family and loved ones behind. This can seem like an overwhelming task, but the Airman and Family Readiness Center, with help from Team Tyndall and the local community, hope to make it a little bit easier.
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Center come into play. They have several programs in place that ensure these families are not overlooked. “I want to make sure those families are taken care of as much as possible and not forgotten,” said Estes. “If they have any questions or any needs, we want to get them support as quickly as possible rather than them struggle the whole time not knowing we have a program for the problem they have.”
“Military members are the reason we have the freedoms we enjoy in this country, and they make sacrifices for us all the time, especially during deployments,” said Bill Fenimore, 2014 Bay County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee (MAC) Chairman. “Extended separations are difficult at any time, and in my opinion, we should do everything in our power as a community to support the families of deployed military members.”
The biggest of these programs is Hearts Apart. It is mostly geared towards families of deployed Airmen with children where the AFRC hosts parties and movie nights for them. The Morale Calls system is also part of this program and allows family members stateside to call a loved one that is deployed. Additionally, the AFRC works with agencies on base to provide these families with services like: Car Care Because We Care, a free oil change at the Auto Hobby Shop and Give Parents a Break, four hours of free child care once a month at the Child Development Center.
That is where Tech. Sgt. Lloyd Estes, 325th Force Support Squadron Readiness NCO, and the Airman and Family Readiness
The AFRC and the MAC are looking for ways to create more community involvement for the struggling families.
BAY BIZ | JANUARY - MARCH 2015
“The MAC serves as a liaison between the civilian and military community and is involved with Family Readiness to help with the deployment support, due to the increase in deployments at the base,” said Theresa Moran, Bay County Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Vice President. “Support from the community while a family member is deployed can help tre-
“Anything donated through that organization is used specifically for military families,” said Estes. The parties thrown by Hearts Apart are in need of gift baskets, gift cards, sporting equipment, and other things that can be used as door prizes as an incentive to attract people to the event, as well as bags of candy to serve as prizes for the children’s games. The AFRC is also looking for venues off base to host the parties. “Right now we do the parties on base for free with donations for food as much as possible, but the number of participants has grown. In the future, we are looking for other locations and businesses to host these parties,” said Estes. For the spouses of the deployed Airmen that do not have children, local restaurants could set aside one day a month to give them a group discount and become a location they can go to meet together in a support group fashion to spend time with others who are dealing with similar difficulties, said Estes.
mendously, especially to those families living off base. It makes them feel like part of the community, and they are able to ask for help.” Through a private organization called Friends of Family Support,* the AFRC accepts donations that help its programs such as Hearts Apart.
“Military members and their families sometimes don’t understand all of the support the community gives, as they tend to stick to the base,” said Moran. “They can find out more about the local community by visiting the Bay County Chamber of Commerce to see what the area holds for them.” To donate to any program in the article, volunteer, get more information on how to help or suggest ideas for new programs, contact Tech. Sgt. Lloyd Estes at (850)-283-4856 or the AFRC at (850)-283-4204. The Friends of Family Support is a private organization. It is not a part of the Department of Defense or any of its components and it has no governmental status.
C L AS S A O F F I C E S PAC E AVA I L A B L E B e ck r i ch B u s i n e s s Pa r k
B e ck r i ch I & I I Pa n a m a C i t y B e a ch , F l o r i d a S U I T E S AVA I L A B L E F R O M 1 , 0 0 0 R S F TO 1 2 , 0 0 0 R S F
Kevin Williams, CCIM Ke v i nw @ g r a h a m c o m p a ny. c o m 850.348.0808
Jason Carnes j a s o n c @ g r a h a m c o m p a ny. c o m 850.830.6593
w w w. g r a h a m c o m p a ny. c o m
850.563.1500
10 0 R i ch a r d Ja ck s o n B l v d , S u i t e 11 5 Pa n a m a C i t y B e a ch , F L 3 2 4 5 9
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CareerSource Gulf Coast: Diverse Support for the Business Community by: Kim Bodine, Executive Director CareerSource Gulf Coast
O
n February 27, we’ll take part in the 28th Annual Bay County Job Fair. We’re proud to be a supporting partner, working shoulder to shoulder with Haney Technical Center, the Naval Support Activity Panama City, and Tyndall AFB Airman and Family Readiness Center. It’s a great event for employers and job seekers, and speaks to the heart of what we do - match talented, skilled workers with the employers seeking to fill positions.
CareerSource Gulf Coast is one of 24 regional boards in the state working toward a single goal: Developing employment matches for job seekers and employers. We know many of the challenges facing area businesses. From a harsh economic slowdown to the increasing pace of doing business - the hurdles can sometimes seem too high. We know, too, that talented people are the heart of your business. What if we could help you? What if we could save you time and money, while providing you the best employment candidates for your team? That’s what we bring to the table in Bay, Gulf and Franklin Counties.
At CareerSource Gulf Coast, jobs are our business. It’s more than that, really. Our workforce professionals, with years of training and unmatched local insight, are leaders in the State of Florida at producing best fits for businesses and employment candidates. Merrick Industries. Eastern Shipbuilding. Bay District Schools. There’s a reason top employers in the region are choosing CareerSource Gulf Coast for their employment needs. • We listen. Looking for employees? We’ll develop a customized recruiting agreement, and create an action plan to meet your specific needs.
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• We inform. Wondering about the pay scale for the position you’re offering? Want to know more about the business climate both locally and across the country? We’ll provide you with the most up-to-date labor market information. • We share resources. Need an office for interviews? Want a space for your staff meeting? We offer free office space and meeting rooms, complete with the equipment you need to get the job done, including computers, printers, phones, copy machines and more. • We target your needs. To help you find the right person for the job, we offer numerous tools to assess and screen candidates - saving you valuable time and money. • We let you drive. Post a position on your own through the Employ Florida Marketplace, the powerful statewide system that generates the best results for businesses of all sizes.
These services and more are offered to all businesses, regardless of size. The cost? There’s no cost. Our workforce professionals deliver all of these services at no charge - as we work to simply build stronger communities every day. I personally welcome you to call the CareerSource Gulf Coast job center today at 850-872-4340, ext. 128, or stop by the office on Highway 231 in Panama City. We’d love to meet you!
If you are a member of the Bay County Chamber and would like to submit your business news to be published, email a press release, logo or photo to brittany@baychamberfl.com
The Bay County Chamber of Commerce
The Bay County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce its 2015 Officers and Directors.
Term Expires Dec 2015 Jeremy Bennett Centennial Bank Andrew Levy
Officers
Jackie Rinker iHeartMedia Michael Sears
Ryan Davis MidSouth Bank Robert Carroll
Past Chairman / Military Affairs Committee Larry Carroll Coldwell Banker Carroll Realty, Inc.
John Juchniewicz Carr, Riggs & Ingram Wayne Lindsey Sonny’s Bar BQ Carlton Ulmer Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center
At Large / Communications Wayne Lindsey Sonny’s Bar BQ Claire Sherman
Ray Walker AT&T
Term Expires Dec 2017
One Year Chair Appointment
Lisa Barnes Eastern Shipbuilding Group
Garrett Anderson Anderson Construction Company
Will Cramer Bill Cramer Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC
Pamela Kidwell Business Innovation Center Joe Sorci Florida Architects Inc.
Term Expires Dec 2016 Ronnie Adams Gulf Power Company
Vice-Chair Robert Carroll McNeil Carroll Engineering, Inc. Treasurer Claire Sherman Lamar Advertising Co.
Raymond Powell Doral Bank Aaron Rich Aaron Rich Marketing
Chairman of the Board Andrew Levy Harrison Sale McCloy, Attorneys At Law Chairman Elect Michael Sears Merrill Lynch
Frank Martin Raymond James Financial
Larry Carroll
Jimmy Patronis Captain Anderson’s Restaurant Ed Phelan Maritech Machine Waylon Thompson Manuel & Thompson P.A.
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Stephanie White Bay County Association of REALTORS
BAY BIZ | JANUARY - MARCH 2015 Wayne Lindsey
Bay Medical Sacred Heart Bay Medical Sacred Heart is pleased to announce that Jan Thornton has joined the hospital as our new Chief Nursing Officer
strategic planning, fundraising and program development. He is also a veteran of the United States Army and the Florida National Guard and was deployed on active duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom. BASIC NWFL and Eastern Shipbuilding Group Valerie Mincey of BASIC NWFL and Lisa Barnes of Eastern Shipbuilding were both selected as Pinnacle Award Winners for 850 Magazine. Mincey and Barnes were
(CNO). She comes to Bay Medical Sacred Heart with 25 years of nursing leadership experience in both not-for-profit and for-profit settings. Jan brings vast experience in nursing, operations and quality improvement to their leadership team. Her work experience includes nursing leadership roles with Coral Springs Medical Center in Coral Springs, FL prior to joining Community Health Systems (CHS). While with CHS, Jan served on the nursing executive leadership teams with hospitals in Florida, Louisiana and most recently in Mississippi, where she served as CNO with River Region Health System in Vicksburg, MS. Children’s Home Society of North Florida Children’s Home Society of Florida named 15-year human services leader Sean Golder, Executive Di-
rector of its Emerald Coast Division, serving children and families in Bay County and the surrounding areas. Golder, who was previously executive director of Palmetto Summerville Behavioral Health in South Carolina, has extensive experience in executive operations,
Florida. Founded in 1983, Emerald Coast Title Services (ECTS) has its main office in Redfish Village on 30A, with an additional closing office now at Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach, FL. HSMc Partner, Dion J. Moniz has been named President of Emerald Coast Title Services and Of Counsel Attorney L. Paul Sirmans has been named Vice-President of ECTS. The attorneys serving as officers of Emerald Coast Title Services have over 65 combined years of real estate experience. Gulf Coast State College
honored at a luncheon in Tallahassee in August. Both women were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the business community in Northwest Florida. Harrison Sale McCloy The partners of Harrison Sale McCloy Attorneys at Law (HSMc) announce the acquisition of Emerald Coast Title Services, a full-service
Gulf Coast State College is pleased to announce that the Office of Marketing & Communications was selected as the winner of the 2014 Comcast Spotlight Local Advertiser Multi-screen Performance (LAMP) Awards ($25,000 and under category). Comcast Spotlight created the LAMP Awards in 2013 as one of the first local media awards recognizing businesses for taking advantage of the opportunity to combine television and online advertising. More than 200 businesses from across the country entered their multi-screen marketing campaigns, outlining their business objectives, advertising strategies and results. Those entries were narrowed to nine finalists—in groups of three based on their media spending—by a panel of advertising experts. One winner was selected in each of the three tiers following a public voting period last month. Burg Management Company
title insurance and real estate closing company in Santa Rosa Beach,
Debra Laminack of Burg Management Company has been named a Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) by the National Board of Certification for Community Association Managers BAY BIZ | JANUARY - MARCH 2015
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The Region’s Top-Rated Cardiac Care The physicians of The Cardiovascular Institute provide Northwest Florida's top-rated heart care to patients from the nine counties surrounding Panama City and beyond. Our team has played a critical role in developing the nationally recognized program at Bay Medical Sacred Heart and launched the heart program at Gulf Coast Medical Center. With a new office in Panama City Beach and an office in Marianna coming soon, we are expanding to provide both quality and convenience for our patients.
Our physicians offer the very latest in diagnosis and treatment options to care for: y
Coronary Artery Disease
y
Heart Failure
y
Cardiomyopathy
y
Valvular Disease
y
Rhythm Disorders
y
Peripheral Vascular Disease
y
Carotid Disease
y
Hypertension
y
Congenital Heart Disease
For diagnosis of heart and vascular conditions, we offer the area's only accredited echocardiography lab and nuclear stress lab and we are nationally certified in vascular ultrasound studies. We provide a full spectrum of cardiac monitoring services and stress testing in our main office. With an in-house research department, our physicians stay on the forefront of cardiac care and offer specialized therapies that are otherwise only available in a university setting.
The only cardiology group seeing patients at both Panama City hospitals.
M e e t O ur Physicians Hari K.R. Baddigam, MD
Thompson C. Maner, MD
Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease and Electrophysiology.
Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology.
M.S. Ramaiah Medical College
Bussie A. Evans, MD
University of Florida School of Medicine Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease.
Amir R. Haghighat, MD Univ. of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, Interventional Cardiology, Endovascular Medicine and Nuclear Cardiology.
Medical College of Georgia
Michael F. Morrow, MD Medical College of Georgia
Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease.
Hashem A. Mubarak MD Damascus University School of Medicine
Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease.
Samir N. Patel, MD
Medical College of Rush University Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, Interventional Cardiology, Endovascular Medicine and Nuclear Cardiology. Registered physician in Vascular Interpretation.
Michael J. Stokes, MD University of Miami School of Medicine
Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology.
Joe Trantham, MD
Duke University School of Medicine Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, Electrophysiology, Interventional Cardiology and Adult Transthoracic Echocardiography.
Accepting New Patients Most Major Insurances Accepted ( 850) 769-0329 • w w w. c ard iovascu lar inst it u te. co m
Main Office: 801 E. 6th St., Floors 4&5, Panama CIty, FL • Beach Office: 11111 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Panama CIty Bch, FL
(NBC-CAM). The CMCA designation is the only national certification program designed exclusively for managers of homeowner and condominium associations. She joins
Superior Residences of Panama City Beach Superior Residences of Panama City Beach is pleased to announce the appointment of Lori Becerra, Executive Director and Kristina Mizell Williams, Senior Solutions Director.
a licensed Assisted Living Facility Administrator in Florida with specialized training in caring for those with Dementia and Alzheimer’s. She is the new Region 1 Chairperson for the Florida Assisted Living Facility Association (FL ALFA).
Lori Becerra has been promoted to Executive Director of Superior Residences. Her career in healthcare more than 10,000 CMCA certificants nationwide who have demonstrated the professional knowledge that is so important for managing homeowner associations. To obtain and maintain the CMCA credential, a manager must complete comprehensive course work, pass a National Certification Examination, adhere to the CMCA Standards of Professional Conduct and take continuing education courses to recertify. Laminack has been employed by Burg Management Company for over two years. She manages over 600 units for three homeowner associations in Bay County.
began in the United States Air Force Medical Corps. She has worked in healthcare for over 19 years with experience in civilian and military hospitals, home health, hospice, long term care and senior assisted living. She holds a B.S. in Healthcare Administration and is
REJUVENATE your Body PAMPER your Soul As one of Florida’s most premier health and fitness facilities, we offer everything you need to strengthen, rejuvenate and pamper yourself; including a 24 hour fitness center for women and men along with an exclusive women’s only fitness area. At Panama City Health Club, we offer the latest state-of-theart cardiovascular and strength training equipment, innovative group fitness classes, personal training, comfortable and relaxing steam room and sauna, child care and a nutrition bar. Here, you’ll find that fitness never felt so good.
914-BFIT(2348) e PanamaCityHealthClub.com e see us on
Kristina Mizell Williams has joined Superior Residences as the Senior Solutions Director. She attended FSU and earned a Bachelor’s in Marketing and a Master’s in Communication. With more than 10 years of marketing and sales experience, she previously worked as a Hospice Specialist at Emerald Coast Hospice and was the Marketing Coordinator at Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center and Aculab.
Many young professionals are enthusiastic about area business and community opportunities and are ready to get involved as new leaders. Bay Young Professionals (BYP) was formed by the Bay County Chamber of Commerce to specifically address the needs of this age group to enrich our community by uniting, developing and retaining our future leaders. If you are interested in becoming part of the Bay Young Professionals (BYP) group, contact Elizabeth Smith at 850-215-3761 or elizabeth@baychamberfl.com. Photos by: Desiree Gardner Photography
Amber Armstrong Born in Graceville, FL, Amber Armstrong has always had a special love for the world’s most beautiful beaches. She married in 1998 and moved to Panama City where she finished her Bachelor’s of Science in Management at Florida State University. Armstrong currently works for Regions Bank as a Mortgage Loan Originator. She specializes in loans for first-time home buyers, new construction, and homes for VAs. She has been in the mortgage industry for 14 years, and has a passion for real estate lending. Her extensive knowledge and background helps with all mortgage lending needs. Armstrong is an Ambassador for the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, Bay Young Professionals member, Bay County Association of REALTORS member, Associate Board of Director for Bay Builders Industries Association, Emerald Coast Business Women’s Association member, RHS Football booster, Annual C.H.A.M.P Camp staff member and Fellowship of Christian Athletes supporter. She is married to Rob Armstrong, Head Football Coach at Rutherford High School and they have two sons, Kurt and Kase.
Tyler Head Justin Tyler Head was born and raised in Dahlonega, Georgia. After graduation in 2008, he attended the University of Pikeville on a football scholarship before injuries led to his retirement from the sport. After transferring to Valdosta State University, he discovered a newfound passion for marketing and professional communication, focusing on mass communication. He began his move south to Panama City Beach after his first semester in Valdosta, working on the weekends at local beach clubs, Schooners and Spinnaker. In 2011, Head settled in Panama City Beach taking over customer service at Schooners, while also working for Spinnaker Beach Promotions. He served as a para-professional at North Bay Haven Charter Academy and helped launch the varsity football program. After 3 years working in the hospitality industry, he signed on as an Advertising Executive with Powell Broadcasting of Panama City Beach in June 2014. Head hosts a 2-hour sports broadcast every Saturday morning on Classic Rock 95.9. In his free time he enjoys reading, cooking, writing, and spending time outside with friends and his dog, Haydee.
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BAY BIZ | JANUARY - MARCH 2015
For more than half a century, Wells Printing Company has served the southeast with the highest quality commercial printing available. As our customer base grew to a national level, our family owned and operated company expanded to a Family of Companies, meeting and exceeding our customers’ needs with multi-million dollar facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and a talented & highly qualified team providing comprehensive customer service. Wells Printing is constantly watching the horizon for new processes, equipment and technology keeping us and our customers on the leading edge of the industry. Wells Printing provides a “one-stop- shop” for all your needs designed to take any project from concept to distribution.
LET WELLS PROVIDE SOLUTIONS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR PROFITS service
design
distribution
mailing
KEVIN BELL
JACKIE PITTMAN
(334) 399-3656 kevin@wellsprinting.com
(334) 207-5330 jpittman@wellsprinting.com
BAY BIZ | JANUARY - MARCH 2015
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The Emergency Room is no longer your only opď€˜on. If you wish to escape the long waits and do not have a life threatening injury, consider visiď€˜ng The Village Health Center.
Florida Department of Health in Bay County www.baycountyhealth.org
For a complete and up to date list of all Chamber activities, including committee meetings, visit our website at www.PanamaCity.org
January
February
March
9th
6th
6th
FSU Panama City Holley Academic Center (4750 Collegiate Drive)
FSU Panama City Holley Academic Center (4750 Collegiate Drive)
First Friday With the Beach*
FSU Panama City Holley Academic Center (4750 Collegiate Drive) Networking: 7:15 a.m. / Program 8:00 a.m. Sponsored by: Superior Residences of Panama City Beach & Copy Products Co.
23rd
Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort (520 Richard Jackson Boulevard) Social & Silent Auction: 5:30 p.m.
First Friday*
Networking: 7:15 a.m. / Program 8:00 a.m.
12th
Business After Hours* Ripley’s Believe It or Not (9907 Front Beach Road) 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sponsored by: Ripley’s Believe It or Not
First Friday*
Networking: 7:15 a.m. / Program 8:00 a.m. Sponsored by: CareerSource Gulf Coast Program: Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Jeff Atwater
19th
Board of Directors Block Party*
Bay County Chamber of Commerce (235 W. 5th Street) 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Program & Dinner: 6:45 p.m. Sponsored by: Harrison Sale McCloy Attorneys At Law, Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort, HealthSouth, Coldwell Banker Carroll Realty, RockTenn, NAI Talcor, Barron Redding, P.A., Gulf Coast State College, The News Herald, GAC Contractors, Inc. and Klever Media Works Contact Elizabeth at 215.3761 to purchase your tickets.
29th
Business After Hours* Dave & Buster’s (Pier Park) 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sponsored by: Dave and Buster’s and United Way of NWFL
NOTE: Dates, times and locations subject to change. For sponsorship information, please contact: Elizabeth@baychamberfl.com or call 850-215-3761
“ Team up for savings and rebates.” – Gulf Power Energy Coach
GET A FREE ENERGY CHECKUP Learn where you’re spending your energy dollars and how you can reduce those costs. Perform your own Energy Checkup using our online tool, or call to have one of our energy consultants come to your home. You’ll get plenty of advice about how to start saving energy and money.
SCORE BIG SAVINGS You can lower your energy costs in many areas. Some are simple and inexpensive, and others are big investments.
• Heating and cooling systems (heat pump and geothermal) • Heat pump water heaters • Ceiling insulation • Weather-stripping • Windows • ENERGY STAR® appliances • Lighting • Thermostat settings • Water heating settings To learn about incentives for energy efficient equipment and products visit gulfpower.com or call 1-877-655-4001.
BAY BIZ | JANUARY - MARCH 2015
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Advanced Orthodontics 2202 State Ave., Ste. 200 Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 769-2722
Dr. Michael Reed - Spinal Associates 500 W. 19th St. Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 257-7097
Peoples South Bank 630 Ohio Ave. Lynn Haven, FL 32444 (850) 265-1967
Advantage Refrigeration & Air Inc. 9815 Morar Rd. Panama City, FL 32409 (850) 628-0319
Edgewater Crossings 204 Potters Bluff Dr. Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 249-5982
Planet Fitness 208 S. Tyndall Pkwy. Parker, FL 32404 (850) 640-0117
AIG Financial Network 25 W. Cedar St., Ste 300 Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 785-2632
Everest Cuisine 3102 W. 23rd St. Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 481-8582
Rose Printing Company 2503 Jackson Bluff Rd. Tallahassee, FL 32304 (850) 576-4151
AMIKids, PC Marine Institute PO Box 268 Panama City, FL 32402-0268 (850) 872-4715
Fishale Taphouse & Grill 7715 Front Beach Rd. Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 640-1410
Sonny’s Real Pit BBQ 532 N. Tyndall Parkway Panama City, FL 32404 (850) 832-4100
Armed Forces Benefits Network 6128 E. Hwy 98 Panama City, FL 32404 (850) 624-7475
Florida Restaurant Lodging Association 4675 Autumn Woods Way Tallahassee, FL 32303 (850) 933-3764
Sunnyside Beach and Tennis Resort 22400 Front Beach Rd. Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 234-3385
Black Thumb Wildlife Services 1421 Stevenson Dr. Tallahassee, FL 32301 (850) 445-2256
GetScene 114 E. College Ave. Tallahassee, FL 32301 (800) 321-6861
Uniting Happiness 401 W. 14th St., Suite 1 Lynn Haven, FL 32444 (850) 441-3788
Boy Scouts of America 9440 University Parkway Pensacola, FL 32514 (850) 784-1886
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. 1001 W. 15th St. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 763-4651
USA Bookkeeping & Business Solutions 401 W. 14th St., Suite 1 Lynn Haven, FL 32444 (850) 441-3147
Brightway Insurance 855 E. 23rd St. Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 532-6950
House of Chan 1518 W. 15th St. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 522-8828
Vets 4 Heroes 5411 Blue Dog Rd. Panama City, FL 32404 (850) 890-7395
Chow Time Buffet and Grill 2345 MLK Blvd. Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 914-0888
McGhee CPA Consultants 1601 Maryland Ave. Lynn Haven, FL 32444 (850) 276-0827
Visual Arts Center 19 E. 4th St. Panama City, FL 32401-3106 (850) 785-9248
Club La Vela 8813 Thomas Dr. Panama City, FL 32408 (850) 235-1061
McKenzie Real Estate 1106 Kristanna Dr. Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 215-1416
ZHA Inc. 6300 W. Bay Pkwy., Ste. 5052 Panama City, FL 32409 (850) 814-9360
Coastal Care Pharmacy 11939 PCB Parkway Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 249-9500
Merchant Management Group PO Box 947 Panama City, FL 32402 (850) 747-0664
Defense Contract Development PO Box 610128 Port Huron, MI 48061 (810) 966-8987
One Heart Yoga 2993 W. 10th St. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 890-1597
BAY BIZ | JANUARY - MARCH 2015
5 Years
Aqua Medical Spa @ Gulf Coast Dermatology CareSouth Homecare Professionals Comfort Inn & Suites Comfort Suites Davis Oil Company Dunkin Donuts Emerald Coast Behavioral Hospital Firehouse Subs Hampton Inn Lori Bates Interiors Spine Care Plus TownePlace Suites
DON ALD GI LES
10 Years
Allstate-McKinney Insurance & Investments Builder Specialties, Inc. Innovations Federal Credit Union Legacy By The Sea MidSouth Bank Summit Condominiums
15 Years
MAI, SRA Cert. Gen. RZ356
Commercial and Residential Property Valuations
Capstone House, Inc.
Matthew L. Hablitzel, D.D.S. M.S. Regions Bank Wow! Business
Boys & Girls Clubs of Bay County
30 Years
Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort
35 Years
Smith Miles & Company
55 Years
Captain Anderson’s Restaurant
Emplo
Position
Company Name
20 Years 25 Years
122 E 4th St Panama City, Fl, 32401 Phone: 850-769-6593 Fax: 850-872-9160 gilesappraisal@knology.net
Employee Name
Street Address Address 2 City, ST ZIP Code Phone: 555.555.0125 Fax: 555.555.0145
Senior A ResonrgtCStyle ommunity Livi
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E-mail address
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Position
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Now Taking Reservations!
Street Address Address 2 ST ZIP Code “Call me today to make your priorityCity, reservation on the apartment of your choice!” Phone: 555.555.0125 Fax: 555.555.0145
Employee Name Lori Becerra, Senior Solutions Director
Emplo
Position Title
Position
Phone: (850) 249-4969 E-mail address Email: lbecerra@superioralf.com www.SuperiorALF.com Like Us on Facebook
Company Name
Located at: 95 Grand Heron Drive Panama City Beach, Florida 32407 Assisted Living Facility License Pending
Street Address Address 2 City, ST ZIP Code Phone: 555.555.0125
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Representative Jimmy Patronis and son, Theo, awarded with a key to the City of Panama City at the October First Friday. 2. Leadership Bay Class of 2014-2015 at their skills building session at Tyndall Air Force Base. 3. Bay Young Professionals members enjoy a lunch and financial coaching session by Dan Hinz Coaching. 4. 2nd Annual ColorVibe 5K race draws hundreds 5. Chamber members having fun at ColorVibe 5k to raise money for the Bay County Chamber Education Foundation. 6. Business Referral Network Group D members meet to share referrals.
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BAY BIZ | JANUARY - MARCH 2015
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Harvest some savings. Contact us to see how much you could save on more than just car insurance.
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850-785-0538
1314 N. Tyndall Pkwy, Panama City
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235 W. 5th Street Panama City, FL 32401