August 2016 Business Briefs / Member News Part 4

United Way Kicks Off 2016 Campaign
The United Way of Okaloosa and Walton Counties kicked off its 2016 Annual Campaign on August 16, with its Board of Directors setting a goal of $1,450,000, which represents an ambitious $115,000 increase over the $1,335,000 raised during the 2015 campaign. The 2016 community campaign will run through Nov. 23. If you or your company are interested in learning more about how to participate, or wish to make a donation, please contact United Way of Okaloosa and Walton Counties at (850) 243-0315.

Okaloosa Mitigation Plan Will Help Citizens Better Prepare for Natural Disasters
Okaloosa County is better prepared for disasters with the recent approval of its local hazard mitigation plan, which is a long-term strategy to reduce the community’s vulnerability to natural disasters. The plan identifies hazards and potential hazards, as well as creates a framework to help community officials make decisions that may ultimately protect lives and property.  Okaloosa County’s Mitigation Plan includes a comprehensive analysis of the County’s and municipalities’ floodplain areas and floodplain management strategies. The Plan is approved through the year 2021; however, annual reports are due each year. 

The Premier Property Group Announces Three New Agents on 30A
The Premier Property Group is pleased to announce Emily Thurman (left) and Scott Cotner-Young (center) will join the WaterColor office and Jimmy Caden (right) will join the Seacrest office. Thurman studied Hospitality at the University of Tennessee. She worked eight years in retail and restaurant management before obtaining her Real Estate license in 2010, due to her passion for architecture and interior design. 

Having started his real estate career in Northern Kentucky with the largest and most respected firm in the greater Cincinnati area, Sibcy Cline Realtors, Cotner-Young, the Kentucky native decided to make South Walton his full time residence. His professional associations include the National Association of Realtors, Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, Florida Realtors, Kentucky Association of Realtors, and the Northern Kentucky Association of Realtors. 

Born and raised in Nashville, Caden relocated to Florida’s Emerald Coast in January 2016. Following graduation from the University of Mississippi, he became a licensed Tennessee realtor in 2012. Having strong family ties to real estate development, Caden has an extensive history in commercial sales and will focus on residential and commercial listings. 

Charlie Graingers Now Open at The Market Shops
Charlie Graingers is officially open for business. The restaurant — known for hot dogs, brisket and barbecue — offers grab ’n’ go service along with barstools and outdoor seating in The Market Shops Gazebo Courtyard. Homemade sides such as coleslaw, pimento cheese and barbecue baked beans are made fresh daily. The Wilmington-based franchise is locally owned and operated by Trent (seen here) and Nancee Moore. Originally from Tullahoma, Tenn., Trent and Nancee jumped at the opportunity to bring the restaurant to the Gulf Coast.


Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation Donates $225,000 to Children in Crisis
Seen here, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation presents a check for $225,000 to Children in Crisis (CIC) President and CEO Ken Hair, CIC Board Chairman Dr. Bo Arnold, CIC Founder Sharilyn Darnell, and other CIC Board members and staff. Thanks to a record breaking 2016 Charity Wine Auction Event, the Foundation raised $2.66 million. In addition to CIC, money was donated to 13 other area charities. This is the 10th consecutive year DCWAF has donated to CIC, totaling over $1.88 million.

Barbara Bush Foundation Fundraiser Raises $40,000
The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy celebrated a new partnership with the Walton County School District on Friday at a sold-out community fundraiser that raised more than $40,000 and fully funded what will be a three-year intensive reading pilot program at Van R. Butler Elementary School. Nearly 200 guests enjoyed “Laughs for Literacy” with Southern humorist and best-selling author Jill Conner Browne, a Mississippi resident widely known as “The Sweet Potato Queen.” Several of her nine books have been No. 1 on The New York Times® Best Seller List. The event’s presenting sponsor was Silver Sands Premium Outlets, A Howard Group and Simon Center. One hundred percent of the event’s proceeds benefit the Foundation and the Walton County launch, thanks to support from Merrill Lynch—Krueger, Fosdyck & Associates, CHELCO, The 30A Company, Sundog Books, J. McLaughlin, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar. Seen here (left to right), Foundation President/CEO Liza McFadden, best-selling author Jill Conner Browne, Janet Greeno with St. Joe Community Foundation—which provided a $20,000 seed grant, Superintendent Carlene Anderson, and Myra Williams of Howard Group. 

Keller Williams Realty Emerald Coast Raises Over $5,000 for Louisiana Flood Clean-Up
Keller Williams Realty Emerald Coast (KWEC) agents, from Navarre to 30A, recently came together to support the clean-up from the recent devastating floods in Louisiana. On Wednesday, Aug. 24, the KWEC team hosted a Louisiana Flood Relief Luncheon at its Destin office, with an expansive buffet of food donated by more than 10 area restaurants, including LuLu’s, Dewey Destin’s Seafood, Lenny’s Sub Shop, Fusion Bistro, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Mimmo’s Ristorante Italiano,Donut Hole Café & Bakery, One 20: A Modern Bistro of Niceville, Chick-Fil-A, Panini Pete’s, Ernie’s Dockside Café & Oyster Bar, and Olive Garden of Destin. More than 100 agents, staff members and community guests attended. Seen here are KWEC staff members with the donated items.