For the past four or five years,
you’ve heard your Destin Area Chamber of Commerce Board and staff discuss the
need for economic diversification. There
are many reasons for this, the most important being that more jobs created over
more sectors of industry and professions creates a stronger economy, increases
tax revenues for the city and county, and creates a strong, stable business
community.
One of the hurdles we could never
seem to jump where economic diversification is concerned is the lack of
incentives for new or expanding businesses to locate, open, or expand in
Destin. Okaloosa County has had
incentives, but the economic development ad valorem tax exemption incentive (EDATE)
expired in March 2014.
We once again have the opportunity
to vote EDATE back into place for Okaloosa County. We also have the opportunity to vote this
into place, for the first time, for the city of Destin.
When you go to the polls for the
Aug. 26, primary election, you will see this referendum on the ballot. The Chamber’s Board of Directors encourages
you to vote yes for the incentive. It’s a
vote for job creation, a diversified economy, and a stronger business
community.
For the first time in anyone’s
memory, EDATE is supported by the boards of the seven leading business
organizations in Okaloosa County: Crestview Area Chamber, Destin Area Chamber,
Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber, Niceville Valparaiso Chamber, Building
Industry Association, Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, and the Economic Development
Council of Okaloosa County. All of the
organizations believe strongly in the need to be competitive in the world of
economic development. Our competition
isn’t our neighboring counties, but rather the other states in the southeast,
all of whom have very aggressive incentives.
Voting yes for jobs via this
referendum will give Okaloosa County, Destin, and Fort Walton Beach to enhance
incentives at the state level. (If
you’re voting in Fort Walton Beach, you have the opportunity to vote yes for
that city to implement EDATE, as well.)
The incentive will be used if the county commission and/or city councils
choose to provide it to a prospect, and they can choose the percentage and
length of time of the incentive too. Any
prospect or business who receives this incentive will be subject to an audit
each year to ensure they have followed the requirements of jobs created,
capital investment, and average wages.
Remember, when you go to the
polls on Aug. 26, vote yes for EDATE.
You’ll be voting to create jobs and build a better community. After all, that’s how we’ll continue to build
this world-class community one business at a time!
With wishes for continued
success, until next time,
Shane Moody, CCE, FCCP
President & CEO
Destin Area Chamber of Commerce
On July 16, WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast, announced its new foundation board leadership and new directors, who will serve during the 2014-2015 year. Seen here, outgoing board chair Sandy Sims of Niceville passes the gavel to Mike Johnson of Pensacola. Stephen Holman, former secretary, serves as the new vice-chair, and Dr. Henry “Jack” Pruett is the new secretary. Other new and returning board members include treasurer Karen Pope, executive director Sandy Cesaretti Ray, Gerald Adcox, Tracy Andrews, Bobby Emmons, Sheila Hale, Ashton Hayward, Stephen Holman, Jesse Ihns, Rick Lambert, Ann Lemox, Joe Lovoy, Jane Merrill, Pat Mills Benjamin, Tammi Moftaqir, Peg Nickelsen, Rev. Carl Reeves, Andy Remke, Mallory Studer, Dona Usry, Tiffany Washington, Frank White, and Dr. Edwin Yee. Friends of the Board include Sally Bussell Fox, Chris Kelly, Jan Miller, Ron Miller, Randy Oxenham, Dr. Megan Benson Pratt, Patricia Windham, and Emeritus Members Curtis Flower, Gary Leutchman, and Elba W. Robertson. For more information about WSRE, its services, programs or available resources, visit 
Sales associates Jerry Bielawski and Mark DeSalvo were recently awarded as the Top Producers for Newman-Dailey’s Real Estate Division for the second quarter of 2013. Bielawski was recognized as the top sales agent, and DeSalvo was recognized as the top listing agent.
DeSalvo has excelled in real estate sales at Newman-Dailey for 12 years and counting. Most recently he was awarded Top Sales Agent for 2013 and Top Listing Agent for the last three consecutive quarters. Originally from Little Rock, Ark., DeSalvo obtained his Arkansas Real Estate license 30 years ago. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Arkansas. He is a licensed Broker Associate in Florida and maintains a license in Arkansas. DeSalvo’s credentials include being a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), a Graduate of REALTOR Institute (GRI), and an Internet Professional (e-PRO).
Coastal Bank and Trust donated $1,200 to the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida in support of its upcoming Night at the Museum on July 19 and 20. This event, unlike any in the area, will feature the Dream Players Theatre, who will bring history to life through characters of the past. Guests will enjoy a guided tour, a food tasting from five sponsoring restaurants, entertainment, and a silent auction. For details on the event, visit 
Real estate sales agent Kurt Sprigler joined the team at Newman–Dailey Resort Properties. Stationed locally for six years serving honorably in the United States Air Force was a dream come true for Sprigler. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business with an emphasis in Finance during his military career, which includes Air Force Instructor School 2012 (Albuquerque Air Force Base) and Airman Leadership School 2012 (Hurlburt Field). He is a member of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, the Florida Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors. For more information, visit 
More than 200 men, women and children put on high heels and took to the streets of Rosemary Beach earlier this month for the largest Walk Her Way yet. Now in its 3rd year, the event raised $31,000 for Shelter House and Rosemary Beach Foundation and brought awareness to domestic violence. Seen here, the Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast team won the Best Dressed Award for its prom theme. For more information, visit 
Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator, has awarded the Air Force Enlisted Village with a 4-star rating, the highest possible, for sound fiscal management practices and commitment to accountability and transparency. Charity Navigator works to help charitable donors make informed decisions by evaluating the financial health of more than 5,000 charities nationwide. For more information about the Air Force Enlisted Village, visit
Legendary Marine recently signed a sponsorship agreement with top regional paddle boarder Garrett Fletcher. Fletcher, from Destin, competes in the 12'6 and 14' classes and has won multiple events, including first overall and first in the three-man team for the 100 mile Paddle NYC; first in the 12'6 class and first overall in the 6-mile elite in the SUP the South competition and another first in the 6-mile elite in the 12'6 class; and first overall in the Little River Toona Challenge in Lake Altoona, GA. Most recently, he took first in the East Coast Paddleboard Championships in Daytona in the 14' class and first overall stand-up; first and first overall in the 14' class - PSUP Paddle Classic GUSU Race Series 4 Mile Elite Race in Pensacola; and first and first overall in the 12'6" Class in the 3rd Annual 5 Flags Classic - 3 Mile Elite Race in Pensacola, among others. For more information about Legendary Marine, visit 
Vice Chairman Nathan Boyles has completed the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) Certified County Commissioner Program. Every Okaloosa County Commissioner is encouraged to complete the program, which encompasses about 42 hours of training in the following areas: ethics, public records, Sunshine laws, growth management, financial management, emergency management, economic development, state legislative process, leadership, and strategic thinking. Boyles also serves on FAC’s Board of Directors. Locally, he is Commissioner Liaison for Clerk of Courts, Purchasing, Water and Sewer, Growth Management, and Information Systems, within the county, as well as community liaison for the Business Industry Association, Library Cooperative, Law Library, Transportation, and Regional Planning. You may reach Boyles at 
Newman-Dailey Resort Properties (NDRP) Association Management Division announces two new team members and three new clients. The rapidly growing division specializes in expert management of residential developments, condominiums, homeowner associations, and commercial plazas. Dan McMahon recently joined the team after moving to Destin from Key West. An experienced CAM, McMahon is managing multiple associations, overseeing on-site staff, property maintenance and regular communication with all home owners. His experience ranges from managing smaller properties to large associations with budgets of up to $2.5 million annually.
Missy Windes also joined the Newman-Dailey team as a CAM and is now managing associations, including Fountain Plaza, where Newman-Dailey is headquartered in Miramar Beach. A Destin native, Windes brings extensive knowledge of the area along with providing exceptional service to all NDRP clients. She graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Real Estate and is a graduate of the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce’s Destin Forward leadership program and a member of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors (ECAR) and the Community Association Institute (CAI).
The Okaloosa County Tax Collector’s Office presented the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce a check for money raised to support the Col. Bud and Dorie Day Patriots’ Trail. Those attending the check presentation included Tax Collector Ben Anderson, Fort Walton Beach Tax Collector’s Office Manager Cristina Davenport, Tax Collector employee Nikki Davidson, Mrs. Dorie Day, Tax Collector employee Cheron Sincarenco, Greater Fort Walton Beach Women’s Club President Mrs. Cissy Wyninegar, and Chamber CEO Ted Corcoran. Employees of the Tax Collector’s Office took on this effort to show their appreciation and respect for the Day family. In doing so, they held internal fundraisers throughout the month of May and served as a collection point for those wishing to donate to the cause. To date, Tax Collector employees raised $1,259.18, exceeding their goal of $800. Donations to the Bud and Dorie Day Patriots’ Trail are tax deductible. Call (850) 244-8191 for more information.
United Way of Okaloosa-Walton Counties announced Terri Duplantis as the organization’s new Finance Director. Duplantis succeeds Rhonda Glassburn, who retired in May after 20 years of devoted service. Duplantis, a graduate of Louisiana State University, continued her education and received a Masters in Public Administration from the University of West Florida. She is active in the Destin Area and Walton Area chambers of commerce and volunteers for various charities. For more information, visit 
Sandy Miller was presented with the CIC “Extra Mile Club” award for her continued long-time volunteer service to Children in Crisis. Although now “officially” retired, you can’t tell it when it comes to her donation of time and dedication to the CIC vision. For the past several years, Miller has been the smiling face and welcoming voice at the CIC Neighborhood Center. She is seen here with CIC President & CEO Ken Hair. For more information or to make a donation to CIC, call (850) 864-4242 or visit