Chamber Announces Destin Forward Class of 2016

Destin, Fla., Aug. 24 – On Aug. 18-19, the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed 22 into its Destin Forward community education and leadership program. During the retreat, class members participated in personality and teambuilding exercises and discussions to explore the issues and challenges Destin faces. Chamber Board members greeted them during a reception to thank them for their willingness to learn more about the city and the leadership it needs moving forward.
 
The class will met monthly from September to April to build leadership skills through hands-on training. It will explore Destin’s heritage, hear from community leaders and industry experts about current issues, and participate in discussions about resolutions for its future.
 
Activities include field trips to explore Destin’s harbor area, its utility services, and city resources; panel discussions with business leaders in tourism, development, arts and philanthropy, and more; and presentations from area transportation, economic, and tourism experts. Class members will also visit state legislators in Tallahassee and see the Senate and House in action.
 
The class will graduate in May with a better knowledge of Destin and the leadership skills needed to continue building this world-class community.
 
Class members include the following:

Lindsay Anderson ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals	Christian Carlee Trustmark National Bank
Alan Chester Destin Computer Repair	Jason Connor ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance, Inc.
Shelby DeSoto The Walton Sun	Vickie Giles ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals
Victoria Hargroder Hargroder Real Estate Group, Inc.	Kevin E. Kelly Morgan Stanley
Jenny Larson SummerPlace Inn	Bertram Little Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast
Jacqui Luberto Destin Area Chamber of Commerce	Heather Lustgraaf Southern Vacation Rentals
Daniel Magistri Three Lefts Consulting, LLC	Bryan Osborn Anderson Engineering, Inc.
Doug Rainer City of Destin	Michelle Sanchez Destin Commons
Donald H. Slappey Hancock Bank	Neil Spencer Coastline Calvary Chapel
Brittany L. Tate Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance	Francis M. Teacher Winter Spires & Associates, P.A.
Bryce Trafford Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village	Kristi West Southern Rentals & Real Estate