Tuesday, April 24, 2018

April 2018 Business Briefs / Member News Part 1

The Premier Property Group Expands with Fourth Office Location
The Premier Property Group
The Premier Property Group (PPG) recently announced it will open a fourth office location, bringing its luxury real estate presence to Niceville, Florida. The PPG’s office, now under construction, will be located on John Sims Parkway near the new Starbucks and will open in Summer 2018. With over 490 Million sold in 2017, The PPG is currently interviewing new agents for the new Niceville office. The PPG is a proud member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, the largest network of invitation only independently owned real estate firms, with 565 brokerages and 130,000 associates in over 60 countries. Globally, it represents the best of the best and have more top sales associates than any other network. Through Luxury Portfolio, PPG agents have unprecedented power when marketing luxury properties or attracting high-end buyers with tools like the award-winning LuxuryPortfolio.com, which showcased over 50,000 properties last year with an average price of $2.5 million and attracted traffic from an average of over 200 countries per month. 
 
Progress Financial Corporation Declares Dividend on 10th Anniversary
Progress Financial Corporation, the parent company of Progress Bank and Trust, recently announced that its Board of Directors has declared a special one-time cash dividend of $0.15 per share to celebrate the bank’s 10th anniversary. The dividend is payable on Feb. 5, 2018 to shareholders of record at the close of business on Feb. 2, 2018. Progress Bank was opened in February of 2008 and has grown to over $1 billion in total assets. The bank has 8 offices in Alabama and Florida with an additional office opening in Walton County, FL, during the 1st quarter of 2018. 
 
Tom Thumb Stores Helps Children In Crisis
Children In CrisisThe Tom Thumb KwikShops, headquartered in Crestview, FL, showed its great support to the children living at the Children in Crisis (CIC) Neighborhood by donating $13,000 along with food, toys and headsets for the kids.  The presentation was made by the Tom Thumb Inc. President Jay Erickson and the Tom Thumb Team. Seen here, left to right, are Jimmie Miller, Wendy Starks, Ken Hair (CIC President and CEO), Tina Johnson, Iris Valdez, Deb Rossi, Sabrina Hackney, Jay Erickson, and Kayla Denmon.


Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast Celebrates 15 Year Anniversary
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald CoastHospital associates and leaders gathered today to celebrate Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast’s (SHHEC) 15th anniversary. The celebration, which included birthday cake, followed two days of recommitment ceremonies (pictured here) where associates renewed their commitment to the mission of Sacred Heart, to serve our community with special attention to the poor and vulnerable, with reverence, integrity, wisdom and dedication. Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast opened on Jan. 27, 2003. The then 50-bed hospital started with 175 associates and 60 medical staff physicians, but the hospital was designed with growth in mind, and every year has seen the launch of new services and an increase of hospital staff. Today SHHEC employs 626 associates, more than 88 physicians and an additional 265 Medical Staff physicians. SHHEC has grown to a 76-bed community hospital offering comprehensive healthcare for emergency care, cardiovascular care, cancer care, obstetrics, surgery, orthopedics and spine care. Since opening, SHHEC has completed seven major expansions including comprehensive women’s services, life-saving heart and vascular services, cancer services, increased inpatient and emergency services, increased maternity and pediatric services, and, soon level II neonatal intensive care services. It has been recognized five times as one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals for patient satisfaction by Truven Health Analytics.
 
Henderson Park Inn Receives Conde Nast Johansens Award for Excellence 2018
Henderson Park InnDunavant Enterprise, Inc., owners of the Henderson Park Inn, recently announced winning the coveted Conde Nast Johansens Award for Excellence 2018. The Award for Excellence is presented annually by Conde Nast Johansen and selections are made based on consumer voters, readers and travel enthusiasts that cast their vote online throughout 2017. Henderson Park Inn is honored to be included on this prestigious list of travel destinations across the world. Visit  https://www.johansens.com/inspiration/awards-excellence-2018-winners-canada-usa-mexico-caribbean/ to view all 2018 award recipients. Henderson Park Inn is an adult only, luxury boutique hotel directly on the beach in Destin. Henderson Park Inn has been named the “Most Romantic Hotel” in North America and ranked #1 for Destin hotels on Trip Advisor year after year. It is distinctive as an adult only property with a long list of luxury amenities, including complimentary breakfast, lunch, happy hour, bicycle & paddleboard rental, beach service and many more. 
 
Destin Commons Gives Back
Destin CommonsIn a continued effort to give back and support the local community during the last 14 years, the Destin Commons management staff dedicates countless hours of time, resources and donations to local area nonprofit and school organizations.  2017 was a banner year and here is why:
- Through the center’s Coins for a Cause parking meter program, more than $108,000 was donated to local nonprofit and school organizations
- Seven nonprofit organizations held fundraising events on Destin Commons property at no charge and raised more than $90,000
- Management staff volunteered more than 384 hours through nonprofit board involvement and community service opportunities
- More than 49 nonprofit/school organizations benefitted from donations through Coins for a Cause
- 13 blood drives were held at Destin Commons, collecting 299 units of blood with the potential to save 897 lives
- 9 pet adoption events were hosted at Destin Commons, finding more than 25 pets their forever homes        
 
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Installs 2018 Board, Bestows Awards
Mattie Kelly Arts FoundationThe Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF), a not-for-profit charitable arts organization founded in 1995 to be Northwest Florida's champion of cultural arts and arts education for all, recently kicked off its 23rd season with an Awards and Induction Ceremony. MKAF applauded the following retiring board members for their dedicated service: Brian Beauchamp, Melinda Bowers, Stacey Brady, Lorraine Christen, Donna Fox and Stephen Smith. 
 
More than 300 annual volunteers support the MKAF, but there is always someone who stands out in the crowd. The Volunteer of the Year Award recognized Dale Hull and Jim Nissley for contributing countless hours of volunteer service. Not only have these gentlemen been supportive of their wives' 19-year career at MKAF, Marcia Hull and Deb Nissely, but have worked quietly behind the scenes at MKAF events, general property maintenance and other odd jobs for nearly two decades. 
 
The foundation's most prestigious award, the Chairman's Sterling Award, honors that special board member who exemplifies commitment, spirit and vision to the Foundation's mission. Stacey Brady of Grand Boulevard was this year's recipient recognizing her four years of dedicated service as MKAF's 20th Anniversary Chair and serving on the Public Relations, Friendraiser and Executive Committees. She is seen here center with MKAF CEO Marcia Hull and MKAF 2017 Chairman Matt Dahlman.
 
The passing of the gavel to the 2018 Chairman, Jackie Ely announced her fellow Executive Committee members: Heather Ruiz, Vice Chairman; Kevin Bowyer, Treasurer; Bill Lindsley, Secretary; Shantelle Dedicke; Dion Moniz; Wayne Paul; and Kathy Whidden. Also installed were the 2018 elected board of directors: Keri Atchley, Meagan Atwood, James Campbell, Debbie Dodge, Rand Fernandez, Teresa Halverson, Kim Holley, Meloney Howell, Denise Kendust, Pat Madden, Bill McQuillan, Misty Rae Ruthrauff, Elizabeth Spies, Alexis Tibbetts, and Todd Wilkinson. 
 
LandrumHR Management Team Adds Two New Members
LandrumHR announced the addition of two new members to its management team. Kara Bloomberg has been appointed Vice President of Operations and J. Martin (Marty) Stubblefield has been appointed Client Relations Manager. Bloomberg's primary responsibilities are managing benefit options for LandrumHR clients, strategic planning, directing the operations of the company, measuring progress, and adjusting processes to ensure a great customer experience. Bloomberg is also responsible for growth strategies as the company expands its operations throughout the Southeast. Bloomberg’s core competencies are a relationship focus, strategic planning, business development, benefits administration, account management, HR consulting, and HRIS consulting. Meanwhile, Stubblefield’s main responsibilities are to build, manage, and maintain meaningful relationships with the organization's top clients. With more than 30 years in banking and government administration, he is a recognized executive, business, and government leader, consultant, and speaker. His career background includes 15 years with AmSouth Bank, five years as State President and Division Director for Hancock Bank, three years as the Deputy Secretary for Administration with the Florida Department of Health, and several leadership roles with BB&T and Ameris Bank.
 
Birthday Party Food Drive for Children In Crisis
Children In CrisisSeen here, Ken Hair, Children In Crisis (CIC) president and CEO, receives a truckload of food and paper products from long-time CIC supporter Don Hall of Niceville. During his recent birthday party, Hall asked his guests to bring a food donation instead of gifts for his birthday.  The donation, a full truckload of food and paper products, will help fill the newly opened “Kay’s Cupboard” food pantry to help feed the children living at the CIC Neighborhood.



 
Progress Bank Opens Office in Inlet Beach
Progress Bank recently marked its 10th anniversary of serving clients across North and Central Alabama and Destin areas with a shareholder dividend, CD special and in-branch activities, as well as the announcement of the 9th office, which will be located in Inlet Beach, Florida. The Inlet Beach office ribbon cutting was held on Monday, March 5, at the new location in 30Avenue, at 12805 US Highway 98 East. The office will be full-service, providing both consumer and commercial services Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Progress Bank also has a nearby office located in Destin at 35008 Emerald Coast Parkway. 
 
LandrumHR Moves McCullough into Expanded Role
LandrumHRLandrumHR recently announced the promotion of David McCullough to chief administrative officer.  The expanded role will include oversight of the IT, marketing, and client relations functions within the growing company. McCullough joined the team in mid-2017. During the past several years, LandrumHR has invested in newer technology, the addition of several key positions, and a renewed focus on the client experience. The end goal is to create the best HR services company in the Southeast based on customer experience, technology, and ease of use. 


 
ResortQuest Real Estate Celebrates the Groundbreaking of Blu
ResortQuest Real EstateResortQuest Real Estate recently celebrated the groundbreaking of Blu, the newest luxury condominium development on Okaloosa Island. Blu, an upscale coastal contemporary development, features a prime location in Okaloosa Island, a scenic barrier island situated between the Gulf of Mexico and the inter-coastal waterway in Fort Walton Beach on the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast. It is the first residential condominium community to be built on Okaloosa Island in a decade, marking an exciting opportunity for homebuyers. This stunning six-story condominium development featuring 47 private residences is nestled on one of the last vacant parcels fronting the Gulf in the three-county area. Overlooking 300 feet of sugar-white sand beach, tucked away on Okaloosa Island behind a private, gated entry, Blu amenities will include two Gulf-front pools (one heated), a jetted hot tub, a fitness center, and covered parking spaces. Residences’ interior appointments will range from quartz countertops and high-end kitchen appliances to porcelain tile flooring and private terraces up to 10 feet deep. For details, visit ownblu.com. Seen here, left to right, are Carmela Bell, ResortQuest Real Estate; Cindy Blanton, ResortQuest Real Estate; Bob Black, Advenutre Development LLC; Rick Olson, Olson Land Partners LLC; Lino Maldonado, Wyndham Vacation Rentals; and Janette Klein, ResortQuest Real Estate 
 
The Premier Property Group Raises More Than $14,000 for Children in Crisis
Children In CrisisThe Premier Property Group is expanding its reach outside of luxury real estate along Florida’s Emerald Coast. The boutique real estate agency recently donated $14,047.88 to Children in Crisis. One of The Premier Property Group’s agents, Tracy Sweetland, along with several other friends, held a party to raise funds for donations towards CIC. At Sweetland’s party, Honey Baked Ham owners Jane Araguel and Don Bryan donated more than $500 worth of food. Guests were then invited to listen to several special guest speakers from CIC. 
  
During The Premier Property Group’s annual holiday party, held at The Vue on 30A, agents enjoyed a sunset cocktail party overlooking the gorgeous waters we all blessed to call home. Guests were asked to help in Sweetland’s efforts in making this Christmas the best yet one yet for the Travis Tringas House with the luxury brokerage matching all donations dollar for dollar! Pictured above are Linda Jones, Karen Marceaux, Ken Hair (President and CEO of Children In Crisis), Allie Noah (Children in Crisis), Barbara Schott, Tracy Sweetland, and Jennifer Hart. 
 
Destin Commons Offers New Dining Choices
Quickly approaching its 15th year, Destin Commons continues to set the stage by bringing new dining choices to Northwest Florida. Based in Miami, Divieto Ristorante will be opening its third location this summer after a full re-model of the restaurant space located across from Bass Pro Shops. A Divieto Ristorante casual dining experience will provide the quality and service of fine dining in a relaxed environment with an international touch and the best of Italian Cuisine. It will offer more than 70 Italian signature dishes from the ultimate table side experience where a creamy Fettuccine Alfredo is tossed inside a Parmigiano Reggiano wheel, to original and fresh salads, grilled to perfection steaks, thin crust pizzas and a full bar. Most recently, La Famiglia has moved to a new location in Destin Commons between World of Beer and Zoe’s Kitchen. It reopened in mid-February with a new concept as La Famiglia Pizzeria Romano, offering an eclectic line-up of freshly made pizzas, delicious salad creations and Italian pastries. It also has a full bar. 
 
Keller Williams Ranked #1 in Sales Volume for U.S.
Long the largest real estate franchise by number of agents globally, Keller Williams (KW) recently claimed it has become the leader by sales volume in the United States, tallying $72.5 billion in deals during a record-breaking 2017 fourth quarter, alone. According to analysis by independent consulting firm T3 Sixty, the KW sales volume has surpassed Re/Max for the #1 ranking for the entirety of 2017. Last year, KW achieved total sales of $310.1 billion, closing 1.04 million deals nationwide. With an agent count topping 300, the local Keller Williams Realty Emerald Coast (KWREC) franchise serves five communities locally. It achieved #1 honors for more units sold in all of 2017 than any other area real estate company in the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors and the Navarre Area Board of Realtors. In 2017, more KWREC agents capped to achieve a 100% commission status than in the 17-year history of this franchise. 
 
Sacred Heart Medical Group Welcomes New Clinical Pharmacist Specialist                                                                 
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald CoastSacred Heart Medical Group welcomes Eric D. Parod, PharmD, to the primary care team as a clinical pharmacist specialist. Parod will be located in the newly established Medication Management Clinic within the Sacred Heart Hospital medical office building at 7720 US Hwy. 98 W. Ste. 140. Parod is an ambulatory care clinical pharmacist specialist with special medical interests in cardiovascular pharmacotherapy, diabetes, hypertension, lipidology and chronic diseases. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2015 from Mercer University, College of Pharmacy in Atlanta. He then completed a 2-year residency in ambulatory care with the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy in Richmond. Throughout the past two years, he has managed patients via pharmacist-physician collaborative practice agreements in a variety of interprofessional care settings including cardiology, nephrology, and endocrinology and is a strong advocate of providing evidence-based and patient-centered care to promote optimal health outcomes.
 
Destin Commons Hosts Mardi Gras Parade
Destin CommonsThousands of people lined the streets of Destin Commons to watch a fun and festive Mardi Gras parade roll through the center. The evening was full of beads and trinkets, face painting for the kids, stilt walkers, pirates making balloon treasures, and the crowds rocked to the live music of Mr. Big and the Rhythm Sisters (seen here). The Grand Marshall was Shane Moody, president and CEO of the Destin Chamber of Commerce. A non-stop line up of over 35 floats and people took part in the parade.