February 2016 Business Briefs / Member News Part 2

Art & Craft Vendor Openings for Annual Festival
The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida invites Art, Craft, & Antique Vendors for the 40th Saturday in the Park Heritage Festival, to be held on April 30, 2016.  Art and Craft Vendors must produce quality, hand-crafted, original items only. Vendor space is limited. Register today at Heritage-Museum.org, info@heritage-museum.org, or call (850) 678-2615.

Volunteers Needed for Valentine Tour of Homes
The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County is seeking volunteers for its Valentine Tour of Homes. Hours needed are as follow:
Saturday, Feb. 13 - 9:45 a.m. to 1:15pm and 1 - 4:15 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 14 - 11:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

For details, please email Renee McCalmont at renee@culturalartsalliance.com. For more information about the Valentine Tour of Homes, visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com/events/valentine-tour-of-homes.

Stanley joins First Florida Bank
First Florida Bank announced that Barry Stanley has joined the bank as the senior vice president/director of secondary market lending. Stanley brings more than 15 years’ experience as a mortgage loan originator and director of retail sales. He served with Bank of America in the Georgia division before his elevation to director of mortgage loan origination in the Florida panhandle.  For seven consecutive years, he was a member of the prestigious Pinnacle Club. Originally from Siler City, N.C., Stanley earned a BS in Hospitality Management from East Carolina University, while minoring in Business. His MMLS number is 544522. 

Cultural Arts Alliance Presents A+ Honor Roll Invitational Art Exhibit
The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County and the A+ Art Series Committee announce an invitational winter show entitled A+ Honor Roll. The show is to be held at the Northwest Florida State College South Walton Center, opening Friday, Feb. 19, with a reception from 5 – 7 p.m., and running through Friday, April 22. The A+ Honor Roll exhibit recognizes the local artists whose talents were awarded during the 2015 Top of the Class juried show, including the Merit Award, Honorable Mentions and People’s Choice Award. For more information about the A+ Art Series, call the CAA at (850) 622-5970 or visit Facebook.com/aplusart andCulturalArtsAlliance.com. 

Dr. David Martin Joins Sacred Heart Medical Group in Miramar Beach
Dr. David Martin, a board-certified rheumatologist, has joined Sacred Heart Medical Group’s practice in Miramar Beach. Martin has special interests in rheumatoid arthritis and helping his patients improve their daily activities and functional capacity. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases, including, but not limited to arthritis, autoimmune conditions, and other disorders of the bones, joints, tendons, and muscles. Martin received his medical degree from the Pennsylvania State University School of Medicine in Hershey, Penn. He completed his internal medicine residency at The University of Rochester Associated Hospitals in Rochester, N.Y., and he went on to complete a rheumatology fellowship with the University of California in Irvine, Calif. Martin is board-certified in both rheumatology and internal medicine. 

Pizza Man Helps CIC Children
Jim Godwin, aka “Pizza Man,” delivered boxes of food and candy to Children in Crisis (CIC) for the children living at the CIC Neighborhood.  The donation was made possible through a donation for the local area Walgreen stores. Pizza Man (right) is seen here with Ken Hair, CIC president and CEO.



“Saturday at the Museum” Offers Something for Everyone
On the last Saturday of each month, the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida offers reduced admission for everyone at the $3 children’s rate.  Visitors can check out all the new exhibits, play in the Discovery Room for kids, enjoy Paradise Gardens, and participate in instructed craft time and history lesson at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. The next “Saturday at the Museum” is Feb. 27, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  For more information, call (850) 678-2615.

Justin Lindsey joins World Impact Real Estate
Justin Lindsey, now with World Impact Real Estate, is a combat veteran and native of Northwest Florida. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of West Florida in 2005. After college, began his life of service when he accepted a commission in the United States Army. Seven years later, he returned to Northwest Florida and began his career in Real Estate. You may reach him at (850) 714-4663. Also, Lindsey hosts a FREE monthly Insider Investment Seminar, where he teaches methods and brings lender and title company representatives to answer your questions.  For an updated schedule, visit InvestorSeminar.info.

New Van Given to The Arc of the Emerald Coast Ladies Group Home
Thanks to longtime supporters of The Arc of the Emerald Coast, a donation was made to purchase new van with a wheelchair lift, for the Ladies Group Home.  The donation made after hearing of the difficulty in transporting all the residents from one home at one time because two residents are in wheelchairs.  Now all residents will be able to go out together on outings, thanks to this new van that will support two wheelchairs on-board at one time.  The clients and staff were all smiles and cheering at the sight of the new van.  

Walton County Pierce Family Children’s Advocacy Center Nearing Completion
Contractors and construction workers are diligently working away to complete the new Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) facility in DeFuniak Springs. It is slated to open April 8, and will be the second ECCAC location, along with its original Niceville Center in Okaloosa County. ECCAC is one 501-C-3 organization, soon to be operating two Centers.

Local Businesses Partner to Employ Persons with Disabilities
The Arc of the Emerald Coast supports people with developmental and intellectual disabilities with programs that help them live, learn, and work in their communities. One of our many programs is Supported Employment and through this program we are committed to including people with disabilities in the workforce. Supported Employment Coaches assist adults with disabilities to obtain and retain employment in the community by providing skill assessments, vocational training, resume writing, and on-the-job personalized training alongside our clients until the employer is satisfied the client is ready to work independently in their workplace. We currently partner with employers, such as Lowes, Walmart, Publix, Winn Dixie, Pizza Hut, Sam's Club, Carmike Boulevard 10, and many other local businesses.