I knew this day would come. Frankly, in January, it seemed
like a long way away. But now that the
end is near, it seems like this past year flew by at the speed of light. Maybe that is because things ran so smoothly.
My approach to the Chamber was much different than I thought
it would be when I first found out I was going to be the 2014 chairman – way
back in late 2012. I had BIG plans – we
were going to make changes, be everywhere all the time, yada, yada, yada. Well, things have a way of changing and
adjustments must be made. Wisdom must be
used (I am not implying that I had
any great wisdom, but I did remember a lot of wise sayings and advice I have
heard/been given over the years).
The course of action I chose to take was “if it isn’t
broken, don’t fix it.” I did not think
that our Chamber was broken. Could we
improve? Always. But overall the Destin Area Chamber is a
great Chamber. So, I let the professionals do their jobs. I provided guidance
when it was needed, did what was asked and required of me, provided what I
could to make their jobs easier, and then stayed out of their way.
I also vowed to listen to anyone who needed the Chamber. The
traffic light versus a signalized cross-walk comes to mind. Last, year the Chamber supported building a traffic
light at Marler Street and Highway 98, as opposed to a fully signalized
cross-walk. This year, several property owners
asked the Chamber to support the fully signalized cross-walk over a traffic
light. We listened. Then decided that the best approach for the
Chamber was to support getting pedestrians across U.S. Hwy 98 SAFELY. The
details of how that should happen we left to the professionals.
We also let go of an event that had run its course. Goodbye, PUTToberfest. I enjoyed this event,
but it was time to say farewell. While
the events that are growing got even more focus from the Chamber. Paddle at the Porch was successful, as was
the second Bourbon at the Bay at Regatta Bay.
So, what did my “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” approach
yield? Glad you asked! The Chamber is in
the best financial shape it has been in in years. New memberships and renewals are higher than
they have been in years. Our
relationship with the City of Destin is very good (thank you, Mayor Ponder,
Greg Kisela, City Council, and Staff), as is the relationship with the Economic
Development Council (thank you, Nathan Sparks).
Destin Forward is growing.
Is this the right approach for 2015? I don’t know, but the
good news is Ken Wampler is on the job in just a few short weeks! To borrow a
line from Oprah, what I know for sure is that I am turning over the Destin Area
Chamber of Commerce in a healthy condition.
What I also know for sure is that it had little to do with me and everything
to do with Shane, Elizabeth, Suzy, Dena, and Jacqui, the Board of Directors who
were so engaged, our wonderful Ambassadors and Volunteers, and, most of all,
YOU. You make this Chamber the great
Chamber it is today. Be proud of that, I
am.
Now on a personal note, I want to say a special thank you to
Karen McCarthy, who chose me as her special appointee to the Board of Directors
when she was Chairman in 2009. Karen was
(and still is) a wonderful mentor to me and an even better friend. Thank you to my two appointees, Michelle Terry and Fred Fenn, for accepting
three-year Board terms. You both bring
unique perspectives and were great additions to the Board (big pat on the back
to me for great choices). Thank you to Shane Moody, you are great at what you
do and do not ever let anyone make you doubt that; Elizabeth Spies, your quiet
strength inspires me more than you know; Suzy Nicholson Hunt, you provide so
much humor and comic relief, I get a little mini-vacation every time I enter
your office and have a few laughs; Dena Critch, you have so much professional
experience, and I am so happy the Chamber gets to enjoy the benefit of that,
plus you are just awesome on the phones; and Jacqui Luberto, you have only been
with us a short time, but WOW, you have made a big impact. Ken Wampler, thank you for the notes during
our Board meetings (and you’re welcome!!).
Bill Head, I appreciate your kindness at every single lunch this year –
you always took care of me.
Thank you to everyone at Pleat, Perry & Ritchie and to
my law partner, West Ritchie, who is the Walton Area Chamber Chairman this year
– you were a good sounding board for me, I hope I was for you. Thank you to my paralegal, Sharlene, you kept
me organized and helped me do so much more with less time and kept so many
calendars straight for me. Thank you to
my husband, David Pleat, who knew what I was getting into because he did this seven
years ago and yet he still encouraged me to do it anyway. Thanks for covering me at work when I needed
it.
A new year is on the way, and the possibilities are endless!
Let 2015 be your best year yet!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year,
Amy Perry
2014 Chamber Chairman
Pleat, Perry & Ritchie, P.A.
The 
“Tours for Tots” to benefit Sharing & Caring will be presented by Selah Moore, a 6-year-old Docent at the 
The Emerald Coast Parrot Head Club continued its support to 
John Hofstad was unanimously supported as the next 
The Kiwanis Club of Niceville - Valparaiso recently presented a $5,000 donation to 
Donna Miller, former member of the 
Members of the Kiwanis Club of Niceville-Valparaiso donated their time, talents, and hard work during a recent workday to help make the
After another successful artistic competition, 
Hundreds of 
Thanks to the generous donations from listeners of 
Nathan Abbott of