Tuesday, February 6, 2018

February 2018 Business Briefs / Member News Part 1

The Premier Property Group Announces New Broker Associate
The Premier Property GroupThe Premier Property Group announced MaryGrace Stubbs has joined the locally owned and independent real estate sales firm. Stubbs will be a Broker Associate at the WaterColor office. She grew up in Tallahassee and graduated from Florida State University. After graduation, Stubbs moved to Atlanta, where she found her passion for real estate in 2001. During her successful tenure there, she gained a reputation for being able to capture the needs and wants of her many clients by providing them with a tailored experience that exceeded all expectations. While in Atlanta, Stubbs also garnered expertise in residential new construction and resale real estate. After working as a sought-after broker associate in Atlanta, for more than a decade, Stubbs returned to Florida in 2015.

Maldonado Receives Prestigious 2018 Van Ness Butler Hospitality Award
ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation RentalsIn a beautiful ballroom filled with industry peers, colleagues, staff, and, Vicki, his wife of 25 years, Lino Maldonado (left), vice president of Wyndham Vacation Rentals of North America, recently was honored as the 15th Annual Van Ness Butler Jr. Hospitality Award 2018 recipient. Each year, the Walton County Tourist Development Council (WCTDC) recognizes a pioneer in the tourism industry with the prestigious Van Ness Butler Jr. Award. This award is bestowed upon a community member for his or her visionary leadership in helping to shape South Walton into a premier tourist destination. In his current role, Maldonado leads business development and ownership strategy across North America. He has worked for the company for 22 years, beginning his hospitality career in 1996 at Mainsail in Miramar Beach in the management training program offered by ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals (formerly known as Abbott Resorts). 
Medical Center Awarded Gold Seal of Approval for Sepsis Certification
Fort Walton Beach Medical Center (FWBMC) announced that it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Sepsis Certification. The Gold Seal of Approval® is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care. FWBMC underwent a rigorous on-site review in July. Joint Commission experts evaluated compliance with national disease-specific care standards as well as with (name of condition)-specific requirements. Clinical practice guidelines and performance measures also were assessed.  
"Fort Walton Beach Medical Center is pleased to receive Disease-Specific Care Certification from The Joint Commission, the premier health care quality improvement and accrediting body in the nation,” said Mitch Mongell, CEO of FWBMC. “The certification provides us with the framework to create a culture of excellence for those in our community.”   
PEO Company LandrumHR Appoints Three New Members 
LandrumHR  LandrumHR  LandrumHR
LandrumHR announced three new members to its staff. Deborah Brousseau (left) has been hired as the director of marketing. Brosseau has extensive experience in leading marketing departments for professional services companies, most recently in the legal recruiting industry. Her core strengths are branding, digital marketing, and ensuring a positive client experience. Active in the Pensacola community, Brousseau is a class of 2014 Leadership Pensacola graduate, serves on the board of Escambia High School High Tech, and is an Executive Mentor in the University of West Florida's Executive Mentor program. 
Jeffrey Jones (center) has been appointed to the position of sales development representative for the Sarasota location of LandrumHR. In this role, he will advise prospective clients about the benefits of partnering with an HR outsourcing company. His previous jobs include business development manager, inside sales manager, and inside sales representative. 
LandrumHR has also hired Todd A. Stephenson (right) in the role of business consultant. He will serve the North and South Carolina locations. As a business consultant, he will develop new client relationships for LandrumHR PEO services in upstate and Lowcountry markets in South Carolina. His past roles include senior benefits consultant for Assurance Benefits Group, Columbia SC; vice president of employee benefits, Hub International LTD, Charleston SC; and vice president of employee benefits, First Southeast Insurance Services, Charleston SC. 
Wind Creek Hospitality Partners with Feeding the Gulf Coast for Hurricane Irma Relief
In the wake of Hurricane Irma, Wind Creek Hospitality donated $36,000 to help fight post storm food insecurity in Florida. The funds helped provide two tractor trailer loads of mixed canned vegetables to two food banks affected by Hurricane Irma. Feeding the Gulf Coast used the funds to send the truck loads of food to Harry Chapin Food Bank in Ft. Myers and Feeding Northeast Florida in Jacksonville. 
Mattie the Giraffe Mural Graces Wall at Destin Commons
Destin CommonsLocal artist Andrea “Andi” Scurto just completed the ninth mural as part of an extensive, ongoing collection or wall art at Destin Commons located adjacent to the Center Plaza Playground. Scurto’s work is entitled “Mattie in the Sky with Birds,” one of many scenes Andi has developed for Mattie the Giraffe and her whimsical adventures. Mattie the Giraffe first became popular in the area after Andi won the poster art competition with her character for the Mattie Kelly Arts Festival in 2015. The murals have been well-received at Destin Commons, making perfect photo backdrops for both locals and Destin’s many tourist visitors.  

Okaloosa Arts Alliance Announces Board of Directors for 2017-18
The Okaloosa Arts Alliance (OAA) announces the Board of Directors for 2017-2018. The Executive Board of Directors are President Bill Head, chair of the volunteer committee; Vice President Ken Hair with Children in Crisis; Treasurer Susan Kneller, chair of the OAA grants committee; and Secretary Becky Belcher with the Arts & Design Society. The Board of Directors are Karen Reid with Young Philosopher’s Society; Nellie Bogar with the Youth Village; Demetrius Fuller with Sinfonia Gulf Coast; Ursel Behnken with the German Club; Jeanette Shires with the Mattie Kelly Arts Center of NWF State College and NWFL Symphony Guild; Chris Manson with the Beachcomber; Jean Starkey with Stage Crafters; Gayle Vann, chair of the events committee; James K Baughman, Sr., author; and Bill Johnston with the Emerald Coast Pipes & Drums. 
The Premier Property Group Announces Sara Reese as New Agent
The Premier Property GroupThe Premier Property Group is pleased to announce Sara Reese has joined the locally owned and independent real estate sales firm. Reese will be a new agent based at the WaterColor location. Reese graduated from Texas A&M University in 2000, and afterwards she moved to Austin, Texas, to pursue a career in restaurant management at Dave & Busters. In 2004, Reese and her husband moved to Florida, where she continued working in the restaurant industry at AJ’s Destin, followed by Restaurant Paradis, where she was an integral part of the opening team and management staff. She then was part of the leadership team at The Pearl in Rosemary Beach during the conceptual stages. While working along 30A, Reese grew intrigued with real estate and the “beach lifestyle.” After reaching out to Keith Flippo, owner and agent at The Premier Property Group, Reese began working towards achieving her real estate license. 
Dale E. Peterson Vacations Announces a New Strategic Partnership with Frances Roy Agency
Dale E. Peterson Vacations is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with locally-based creative firm, Frances Roy Agency. The agency will provide a long-term strategic marketing plan to the iconic vacation rental brand. The plan will focus on mapping a clear marketing strategy in an effort to increase vacation rental bookings and expand brand exposure. The Frances Roy team brings over 20 years of combined marketing experience to the table. They specialize in the discovery of uncontested market space and the attraction of increased visitation to both physical and online destinations. The core team is supported by a collaborative team of researchers, copywriters, graphic designers and illustrators, and fulfillment services.
Center for Lifelong Learning Donates to CIC Education Fund
Children In CrisisSeen here, Bob Garcia, parliamentarian of the Center for Life Long Learning, presents a $1,000 to Ken Hair, Children In Crisis (CIC) president and CEO, along with Billy Walker, the co-president of the Center for Lifelong Learning. The funds will be used for the CIC Educational Fund and are critical to the development of the at-risk children living at the CIC Neighborhood.



Therapy Dog Joins Children’s Hospital Team
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald CoastSick and injured children now have the comfort of a furry friend during visits to The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart. A two-year-old female golden retriever named Sprout has recently joined The Children’s Hospital team as a fully trained and certified facility dog. Sprout comes to Pensacola from Canine Assistants, a non-profit organization based in Milton, Ga., that trains and provides service dogs for children and adults with physical disabilities or other special needs. In order to bring Sprout to The Children’s Hospital, her primary handler, child life specialist Julia Humphries, has received specialized training through Canine Assistants. Wearing her service-dog vest at all times, Sprout works with patients and families in the Pediatric Infusion Center, the outpatient pediatric hematology/oncology office, and on the inpatient floors of the Children’s Hospital. 
Arc Emerald Coast Homes Get Trees from First Florida Bank
The Arc of the Emerald CoastThe spirit of Christmas was in the air on Dec. 5, as the staff of First Florida Bank delivered Christmas trees to the homes of those to which The Arc of the Emerald Coast provides personal support services. Christmas music filled the homes as the trees were decorated jointly by First Florida Bank and the home’s residents.  The Arc of the Emerald Coast relies on these donations and those from our community to continue to provide the personal support services required for the men, women, and children with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, and all other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Arc Emerald Coast Accepts Check from Niceville Chamber
The Arc of the Emerald CoastThe season of giving extends beyond giving to family and friends at the Niceville-Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce. Annually, the Chamber hosts the Sequins & Suits Auction gala in November benefitting a local charity. This year, the chamber chose The Arc of the Emerald Coast. On Dec. 6, the Chamber presented a generous check to The Arc of the Emerald Coast at the Niceville Chamber’s monthly Breakfast. This check will go far to support the Arc’s mission “From Disability to Capability.”
Fort Walton Beach Medical Center Auxiliary Donates to CIC
Children In CrisisSeen here, Ginger Kelley with the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center Auxiliary donates $1,000 to Ken Hair, Children in Crisis (CIC) president and CEO,  along with Auxiliary member Frances Catlett.  The donation will help feed, clothe, and give a home to the more than 100 at-risk children that will call the CIC Neighborhood home this year



Destin Lighted Boat Parade Winners Announced
The Destin History and Fishing MuseumMargaritaville, and Air Land Sea Productions hosted the 31st Annual Holiday on the Harbor Destin Boat Parade on Dec. 10. Trophy sponsors for the event were the Beachcomber, City of Destin, Destin History & Fishing Museum, Flotilla 14 USCG Auxiliary, HootersInfinite Lasers LLC, Margaritaville, Premier Properties, and “The Boat” & Jim Tucker. Restaurant gift certificate award sponsors for the event were AJ’s Seafood & Oyster BarBoshamps Oyster HouseBrotula's Seafood House & SteamerCrab Island Cantina, Grande Vista Grille, Harry T’s LighthouseJackacudas Seafood/Sushi, Margaritaville and Tailfins. Mayor Scott Fischer was the Master of Ceremonies for the event.
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Winners in each category were as follows:
- Private 30 ft. & Under: GETTING NAUTI 
- Private 31 ft. & Over: O SEA D 
- Charter/Commercial 30 Ft. & Under: PEDAL PUB 1 
- Charter/Commercial 31 ft. & Over: DESTINY 
- Tour Boat/Motorized 50 ft. & Under: _EMERALD GRANDE SHUTTLE II 
- Tour Boat/Motorized 51 ft. & Over: SUNNY LADY 
- Sailboat 30 ft. & Under: AVALON 
- Overall Best Entry: SOUTHERN STAR
- City of Destin Harbor Heritage Award:  SWOOP II 
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The Track Family Fun Park Presents $7,591 Check to Sacred Heart Foundation
The Track Recreation Center - Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald CoastThe Track Family Fun Park in Destin recently presented Sacred Heart Foundation with a check for $7,591 as a result of The Track’s 7th annual Fight the Fight, Find a Cure breast cancer fundraising event this fall. Guests enjoyed a fun-filled day of Track activities, while supporting the Women’s Health Services Fund at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast. All proceeds from the event will help provide screening mammograms for underserved women in our community. Seen here are (back row, left to right) Danny Adkins, Travis Kearney, Daniel Carpenter, Seth Crosson, Laura McAllister, Lisa Burrows, (front row, left to right) Darla Petty, Randie Strother, Sarah Grace, Kim Buff, and Yvonne Freeman.

The Premier Property Group Announces Ginny Lee Deptula as New Agent
The Premier Property GroupThe Premier Property Group announced that Ginny Lee Deptula has joined the locally owned and independent real estate sales firm as a new agent based in Niceville. Having grown up in a military family, Deptula spent her early years moving many times until leaving for college. She made her way to the University of Florida where she received a degree in Marketing and Public Relations. After graduating, Deptula ventured back to one of the many places she lived growing up, the Emerald Coast, where she has now been assisting customers in their real estate needs since 2002. With more than 15 years of experience selling real estate, Deptula is a top producer in the Niceville area and sold more than 15 million dollars in real estate last year alone. 
Twin Cities Hospital Receives 2017 Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award 
Twin Cities Hospital announced that it has been named a 2017 Guardian of Excellence Award® winner by Press Ganey.  The Guardian of Excellence Award recognizes top-performing health care organizations that have consistently achieved the 95th percentile or above of performance in Patient Experience. The surgery department staff are a highly engaged group of professionals who understand the importance of patient-centered care.  They focus on the patient and their families by frequent rounds, thorough explanations as to what to expect throughout the entire surgical process, and assuring pain is controlled.  Nurse leader rounding is completed on all patients to ensure the highest level of satisfaction for all patients.
Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin and Rescue Pet Owner Together Donate $500 to Atlanta-Based DREAM Dachshund Rescue 
Residence Inn Grand Boulevard at SandestinPets are often considered to be a big part of families, which is why the Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard invites pets and their owners to stay and vacation together. To honor these furry family members, the Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin created a Pet of the Month contest on Facebook. This summer, one winner was a sweet and spunky dachshund named Odie, who was rescued by Jim Sheppard from the Atlanta-based DREAMDachshund Rescue Organization. Upon hearing that Odie was named Pet of the Month, Sheppard decided to donate $250 to the DREAM Dachshund Rescue and the Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin offered to match the funds. 

FNBT Team Donates a Truckload of Food to CIC Kids
Children In Crisis - FNBT BankSeen here, Ken Hair, Children In Crisis (CIC) president and CEO, receives a huge donation of food from Meghann Queen, Ed Brown, and Nhi Nim-Le of the FNBT Bank team. Also pictured are Laura Moore, CIC volunteer and events director, and Ana Planas, also with FNB&T.  The much needed and appreciated truckload of food along with $1,000 in gift cards helped the kids living at the CIC Neighborhood have some of the needed items missed during the holidays.


Century 21 Blue Marlin Pelican Donates Hundreds of Toys to Local ER
Century 21 Blue Marlin Pelican - Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald CoastCentury 21 Blue Marlin Pelican partnered with Porsche of Destin and the North Florida Region Porsche Club of America to collect and donate toys to children who visited the Emergency Room at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast this holiday season. The thought of visiting the emergency room with your child is always a daunting experience, especially during the holiday season. For the seventh year in a row, Century 21 Blue Marlin Pelican turned its 16 offices into a toy donation drop off spot. In just over a month, more than 500 toys were donated such as books, bikes, dolls, electronics, and stuffed animals. On Dec. 18, team members from Century 21 Blue Marlin Pelican, Porsche of Destin, and the North Florida Region Porsche Club of America arrived at the Sacred Heart Hospital Emergency Room with carloads full of toys. The nurses and staff were overwhelmed with joy and graciously accepted the gifts, while placing them under the Christmas tree in the waiting room.
Local Influencers and The Henderson Raise Thousands for Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast’s Future Level II NICU
The Henderson - Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald CoastHundreds gathered for the area’s first Fashion Flash Sale: Namaste and Shop, benefiting Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast’s future Level II NICU, on Saturday, Dec. 2, at The Henderson, a Salamander Beach & Spa Resort. A total of $2,294 was raised from the sales at the event, which included a matched donation from The Henderson for Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast and their building of the new Level II NICU. Seen here, from left to right, are Jessica Fay of Lipstick, Heels, and a Baby; Jessica Bracken of Proffitt PR; Yvonne Freeman of Sacred Heart Foundation; and April Smith, Chef Brendan Davey, and Gary Griggs, all of The Henderson.


Local Dentist Teaches Botox and Dermal Fillers Training Course
SmileologyDr. Amber Wiebe DMD, MAGD, FICOI, of Smileology - Santa Rosa Beach recently went to Miami to train more than 100 dentists, physicians, and nurses from all over the world. The two-day course focused on Level 1 and 2 Botox and facial fillers during the #1 Botox and Dermal Fillers Live Patient Training Courses for Dental and Medical Professionals, presented by The American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE). AAFE is a multidisciplinary professional healthcare organization that teaches doctors and dentists internationally and nationally all aspects of facial anatomy, TMJ treatments, facial procedures, Fillers, Botox, Dysport, Kybella and more. Having taught AAFE for almost 10 years, Wiebe prides herself on comprehensive planning of all facial as well as dental aspects.  Wiebe is uniquely trained in facial volume esthetics, specifically lower, middle, and upper facial volume loss, as well as wrinkles.  She also has technique sensitive training in prevention and treatment of neck aging. 
Museum Trustee Receives Preservation & Stewardship Award
Heritage Museum of Northwest FloridaSeen here, Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida Manager Gina Marini presents the 2017 Preservation & Stewardship Award to Board of Trustees member Gordon King. The award was presented on Nov. 16, for his dedication and service to the museum. The award is given annually to one member of the Board of Trustees who exemplifies the giving of their time, talent, and treasure.

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