Yes, it’s only February 2015. But there are some things happening that have
caught our attention. And some of it is
very intriguing.
Who would have thought that a name-change for the airport
would be so controversial and receive so much negativity? It’s a name-change that is needed. It’s been interesting to read and hear the
reasons the change is “bad.”
There are those outside of Destin who felt it was unfair
that Destin was listed first in the new name.
That’s not something I understand.
The Destin Area Chamber has said for years that Destin is the brand name
for region. Destin generates at least
65% of the bed tax that funds the TDC/TDD/CVB.
Destin represents upwards of 45% of the tax base for all of Okaloosa
County. And if you really want to be
fair, Destin is first alphabetically.
Then there was the talk about the word ‘international’ being
used. I tend to agree with those who
said it was simply a marketing and perception word. Many airports across the country use
‘international’ in their name, yet no international flights land or take-off
from them. Then there’s the talk that’s
existed for years about bringing in charter flights from Europe, Canada, and
the ever-expanding Latin American markets.
Add to that the fact that, according to VISIT FLORIDA, travelers from
China are going to become the largest segment of international travelers in the
world. Wouldn’t the use of
‘international’ make sense?
The airport name isn’t the only issue that has been
interesting to watch. It’s just the only
issue that’s been heard and seen. There
have been meetings about welcome signage across the county. At one time, those meetings included all the
stakeholders affected by the signs. Now,
there are meetings taking place with individual groups with specific interests
about the signs. The Destin Area Chamber
has made it a priority for these signs to be placed across the entire county, not just Destin. We’ve been vocal at meetings and with
resolutions of support, yet not included in these recent discussions.
Interesting, to say the least.
I congratulate the Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners
for voting for the name-change, even without the use of ‘international’ in the
new name. I just hope all the negativity
and controversy isn’t a sign of the communities in this area becoming
splintered and fractured. I also hope
the meetings about signage and other issues in Okaloosa County are not a sign
of splintering or fracturing. The
chambers of commerce have worked too hard over the past several years to bring
our communities together – and have made great strides. I’d hate to see that work be for nothing.
Thank you for your continued support of your Chamber. 2014 was a great year under the leadership of
Amy Perry of Pleat, Perry, & Ritchie, PA.
And 2015 has begun with a bang under the guidance of Ken Wampler of
Newman-Dailey Resort Properties. I
guarantee he’ll work for you the same way Amy did. After all, that’s how we’ll continue to build
this world-class community one business at a time.
With wishes for continued success,
Shane Moody, CCE, FCCP
President & CEO
Destin Area Chamber of Commerce
