October 2018 Business Briefs / Member News Part 2

Taylor Haugen Foundation Commemorates 10 Years Since Local High School Athlete’s Death
Aug. 30 marks 10 years since Niceville High School student Taylor Haugen died from injuries suffered during a football game. His parents then founded the Taylor Haugen Foundation with the mission to provide awareness, education, and abdominal injury protection to secondary aged schools and leagues in contact sports through its YESS Program (Youth Equipment for Sports Safety).  The YESS program has grown nationally to 13 states and has provided proper abdominal injury protection to more than 4,500 players. This equates to more than $317,000 that the Foundation has spent to provide safety equipment for student athletes. During the last 10 years, the Foundation has also given out 44 scholarships, for a total of $61,000, and awarded 10 students with the Taylor Haugen Foundation trophy.


Destin Commons Welcomes New Marketing Manager
Destin Commons announced the addition of Brooke Johnson Zannis as marketing manager. Zannis is a graduate from the Florida State University with a degree in accounting. She also attended the University of Tennessee where she received her MBA with a concentration in marketing and management. She began her career as a senior segment specialist within the marketing department of the FedEx Corporation in Memphis, where she led customer facing communications for FedEx Freight. From there, she worked at The Home Depot in Atlanta in the Global Sourcing division where she gained insight into logistics and inventory control. Zannis was promoted to the brand manager of contractor services and tool rental where she planned, executed, and managed all marketing programs. As marketing manager, Zannis is charged with the development, implementation, execution, and alignment of the Destin Commons strategic marketing plan. Her responsibilities include the utilization of cross channel platforms in an effort to drive sales and create brand awareness. Zannis plays an integral role in the establishment of strategic partnerships within the local community and is engaged in the creation and publication of all marketing materials ensuring consistent brand style and usage. In addition, Zannis serves as Destin Commons' public relations point of contact. 

UMA Named To TIME Magazine's World's Greatest Places 2018
The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County announced that on Aug. 23, TIME revealed its first annual list of the World’s Greatest Places and the Underwater Museum of Art made the cut. The list highlights 100 destinations that are breaking new ground, leading industry trends, and offering visitors an extraordinary experience. Attractions on the list span six continents and 48 countries. Read the full press release here. 



Interlinc Family Foundation Helps CIC Kids
Seen here, Ken Hair and Dr. Judy Manning with Children In Crisis (CIC) accept a donation of $1,075.07 from Paige Gailor, Sheryl Douglas, Ansley Apperson, and Sam Yozviak from the Interlinc Family Foundation.  The grant was awarded to CIC to help purchase trauma-focused books, games, and other resources to teach children living at the CIC Neighborhood how to positively express their feelings and resolve past and current conflicts through play. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is similar to Play Therapy, which is when a child expresses and works through unconscious conflicts through play instead of words.

Sacred Heart Leads the Way in Robotic Spine Surgery Technology 
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast is on the cutting edge of robotic technology with the world’s most advanced surgical robotics, as well as surgeon expertise. Led by Dr. Kornelis Poelstra, Sacred Heart’s Spine Center is pioneering new capabilities in the OR and transforming spine surgery from freehand procedures to highly efficient, robotically guided interventions. 
Poelstra is an orthopaedic and neurological spine surgeon and founder of Sacred Heart’s Spine Center. He is the world's most experienced expert in robotic- assisted, spinal surgery and first to reach the milestone of 600 complex, robotic spine surgeries. Those desiring more information on spine surgery are invited to attend a free seminar led by Dr. Poelstra at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin on Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. Registration is required to attend. Call (8500 278-3600 to register.

Warren Averett Launches Quali-Finder Tax Savings Tool
Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors recently launched Quali-FinderTM, a new proprietary solution designed to help manufacturing and distribution companies identify tax credits, deductions, and incentives. Manufacturing and distribution companies are often unaware of just how much money their company can save by taking advantage of tax credits and incentives. Sometimes, the savings can be surprisingly significant. Depending on the company’s size, it’s not unusual for some companies to discover that they can save millions of dollars through more effective tax planning strategies. Quali-Finder focuses on more than a dozen tax credits, deductions, and strategies specific to manufacturing companies. Through Quali-Finder, interested businesses provide Warren Averett with the necessary data, and seasoned tax professionals analyze the company’s situation to identify federal and state tax credits available to the company. The results and potential tax savings to the company are then presented as Quali-Finder's deliverable. 

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Warrior Arts Program Offers Therapeutic Experiences to Wounded Warriors
Rehabilitation, reintegration, therapy, adaptive sports, and family are critical to the recovery of our nation's wounded warriors.  In addition, the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) believes in the power of art as an underestimated approach to recovery. For those undergoing physical rehabilitations, arts activities enhance motor skills such as dexterity and eye-hand coordination, sustain cognitive functioning, increase attention span, and improve memory and reasoning. MKAF has received great interest in its “Zentangle” drawing course, or “Drawing for Mindfulness.” This method produces an intricate and patterned art form that is built one line at a time. This open-ended drawing activity increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction, and increases a sense of personal well-being. Simple “tangles,” or patterns, are combined in an unplanned way that grows and changes in an improvisational style. While the mind is engaged in drawing, the body relaxes, alleviating stress and anxiety. Warrior Arts Program availability is dependent on available funding sources. Recently, MKAF raised more than $12,000 with its Warrior Wall fundraising campaign in support of the initiative. MKAF serves as a pro-active arts education partner for the communities of Okaloosa and Walton counties. Outreach initiatives are funded through the support of event profits, grants, private donations, and corporate gifts.

4th Annual Wiggin’ Out For A Cause Raises More Than $20K
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center’s (ECCAC) 4th Annual Wiggin’ Out For A Cause event was recently held at Grand Boulevard with a Disco Diva theme. Co-hosted by Velia Lala and Dana Saffel, the evening was filled with wine, food, fun, music, silent auction, and happenings. Upon arriving, ladies were treated to a wig and then a mini hair and make-up session by Avantgarde Salonstylists. They then went on to mix, mingle and partake in many activities throughout the evening, including lively dancing to DJ Vladi’s disco music. A performing dance group of ladies known as the Thi Bod Revue were on hand with choreographed dances reflecting the Disco era. The significant $20,000+ raised at the 1-night event will benefit ECCAC, whose mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect, protect children, and restore the lives and futures of these impacted children. 

Hilton Sandestin Announces New Fall Menu at Seagar’s
The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa has announced a new fall menu at Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood. The menu highlights favorite dishes of newly-appointed Executive Chef Lee Guidry, including Smoked Duck Breast with herbal tea and butternut squash hash; Chef’s Selection of Live Oysters with cucumber escabeche and finger limes; Pan-roasted Grouper with jumbo lump crab, risotto and whole grain mustard; Seared Diver Scallops with black truffles, rock shrimp agnolotti, beech mushrooms, asparagus, and baby bell peppers; and more. New salads include the Panzanella Salad with sweet cornbread, baby arugula, rock shrimp, green tomato chow chow, and corn shoots. New desserts added to the mix include an Olive Oil Cake with candied apple, lemon curd, and Chantilly cream, and Chocolate Praline with hazelnut mousse, caramel foam, and pralines. Visit Seagars.com/menus for more information.

Luxury Estates Realty Group Names Top Producers for August 2018
Real estate firm Luxury Estates Realty Group recently recognized its top producers for August 2018. Jimmy Chambers and the J. Chambers Group were named both Top Selling Agent and Top Selling Team. After 20 years of vacationing on the Emerald Coast, Chambers made the Emerald Coast his home. With a background in marketing and finance, Chambers is well known for his attention to detail and facilitating a smooth transaction process for his clients, while offering a strategic, yet personable approach to selling and buying real estate. Combining his love for the beach and his passion for real estate, as well as his experience and expertise of residential lending, Chambers provides a vast array of knowledge to clients selling and purchasing property. Chambers is also very active in the community and currently serves as an executive board member for Habitat for Humanity of Walton County.

Four Rehabilitated Sea Turtles Released In the Gulf
The Gulfarium's C.A.R.E. Center released four rehabilitated sea turtles on Sept. 17 in Pensacola. Three of the four rehabilitated sea turtles fell victim to ingested marine debris and fishing hook related injuries. Ghostrider, a sub-adult Loggerhead, was hooked at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier on July 26, 2018. Weighing 124 pounds, this sea turtle underwent surgery to remove ingested fishing gear. Kara, another sub-adult Loggerhead, was found floating at the surface of the water in Destin on June 1, 2018.  She was emaciated and anemic upon arrival. This sea turtle received fluid therapy, vitamin supplements, and antibiotics. Peppermint, weighing just under 6 pounds, was brought to the Lifeguard station near the Navarre Beach Artificial Reef with a j-hook embedded behind the front right shoulder. This juvenile Green received a clean bill of health and was quickly ready for release after the removal of the hook. Sheryl, a sub-adult Loggerhead weighing 115 pounds, was caught at the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier in the front right shoulder on August 31, 2018. Sheryl was provided a light sedation to remove a large gauge circle hook and metal line from the esophagus. For more information and photos, visit the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Facebook page.

Clean Juice Brings USDA Certified Organic Menu to Area
During September, Clean Juice opened its newest location in The Market Shops, located at the entrance of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Locally owned by Jeff and Jamie Provinse, Clean Juice is the first franchised juice and smoothie bar company to hold the USDA Organic certification. With 108 franchise units awarded to date, Clean Juice is on a mission to become the world’s most plentiful juice bar offering easy, on the go access to certified organic food and drinks, as well as a high-quality menu featuring organic juices, smoothies, bowls, and bites. Realizing that the guest experience is the most important aspect for a well-functioning business, Clean Juice creates a welcoming, friendly environment and promotes a healthy body as well as a strong spirit. The newest Market Shops location will bring 20-25 new jobs to Walton County, while also fostering a safe and fun environment for its employees. 

LandrumHR Honored with National Awards for Outstanding Communications 
LandrumHR won a 2018 American Staffing Association Genius Award.  This national award program recognizes the best and most innovative communications and marketing campaigns among ASA staffing agency members. LandrumHR won the video category for its Military Veterans and Families video campaign and received an honorable mention for its related Social Media Campaign. A panel of communications and marketing experts selects the honorees based on the overall quality of their campaign’s messaging, design, and visual appeal; originality of approach; and outcomes.  

United Way Day of Caring Helps Children in Crisis
The United Way of Okaloosa-Walton Counties Annual Day of Caring brought volunteers from the Reliance Test & Technology of Eglin AFB, CHELCO, and ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals to the Children in Crisis (CIC) Children’s Neighborhood to help CIC get ready for the fall season and for the more than 100 children that will call the CIC Neighborhood home this year.