Chamber Welcomes Newest Members

During a March 3 Reception, the Chamber welcomed some of its newest members, introduced them to Chamber board members and staff, and shared some benefits of membership. Read more about these Destin area businesses below:

At 360 Blue® we live by our tagline – Exceptional Properties, Exceptional Service. As we enter our seventh season, we are proud of the name we have made for ourselves along the beautiful beaches of South Walton. We are known not only for our luxurious, family-friendly properties, but also for our friendly service, carried out by caring and passionate staff.

www.360Blue.com

(855) 546-9676

At All County Emerald Coast Property Management, we’re experts at property management - from extensive marketing and tenant screening to lease negotiation and rent collection. We take the hassle out of property management so you can enjoy being an owner, not a landlord. Let us give you the peace of mind you desire.

www.AllCountyEmeraldCoast.com

(850) 659-2728

barber & gall promotions is an award-winning firm specializing in large events and fundraisers, unique editorial promotions, social media campaigns and large branding/public relations campaigns. The partners, Steve Barber and Lauren Gall, offer more than 46 years’ experience combined and work with many companies and non-profits throughout the Emerald Coast, Southeast U.S., and beyond.

www.BarberGall.com

(850) 830-3869

Better Homes And Gardens Real Estate Emerald Coast is an innovative real estate company.  With the combination of our unique business model and Better Homes & Gardens’ national brand awareness, we are a perfect fit for our customers, as well as our agents.  For the friendliest search in real estate, visit www.BHGEmeraldCoast.com.

www.BHGEmeraldCoast.com

(850) 337-0800

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida has been the area’s leader in one-to-one mentoring for more than 25 years by serving children ages 6-18. Our mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, one-to-one relationships that change their life for the better, forever. For more information, please visit bbbsnwfl.org.

www.bbbsnwfl.org

(850) 664-5437 or (866) 646-3518

We all know someone who struggles with weight, pain, or injuries...COREFIT provides a safe and effective training center that enhances a person’s life to say "I have a happy healthy pain free life."  *Balance *Strength *Post Therapy Rehabilitation *Neuromuscular Reeducation Therapy - Learn more about COREFIT today at (850) 684-0257.

www.CoreFit30A.com

(850) 684-0257

Michael and Leandra Lardner are real estate agents at Destin Palms Real Estate.  Their specialty is creating customized home videos to showcase their client’s property.  The “Personal Home Documentary” (PHD) focuses on what makes the property desirable. The multiple Emmy award-winning duo are originally TV producers from New York.

www.DestinPalmsRealEstate.com

(850) 396-4833

Hargroder Real Estate Group, Inc.

(337) 945-4888

Jernigan Computing is a business IT consultant, providing basic computer repair to complex server and networking installation, maintenance, and more. In addition, we offer web design and search engine optimization services.  

www.JerniganComputing.com

(850) 296-7017

Kiley Beach Resorts specializes in managing high-end single family homes and condos for short-term vacation rentals in Destin and South Walton. The full service rental management company provides owners maximum income and many memorable vacation experiences for guests. 

www.KileyBeachResorts.com

(850) 837-0011

L.S. Management & Associates, Inc. Emerald Coast Division is now offering professional HOA, Condominium, and Property Management on the Emerald Coast. We offer a la carte enforcement of restrictions, aggressive collections, and detailed financial and management reports, to include community websites, online payments, and real-time online access to financial reports. 

(850) 269-7285

Lucy Buffett is bringing the GUMBO LOVE to Destin! Her new LuLu’s restaurant is slated to open in the summer of 2015 at the base of the Mid-Bay Bridge, next to Legendary Marina. Live Music Nightly, Separate Allergy Menu. Now hiring all positions! Visit www.LuLuBuffett.com for more information! Follow us on Facebook.

www.LuLuBuffett.com

Shari Wierwille of Mold Testing Sciences is a Board-Certified Mold Assessor and Indoor Environmentalist with 12 years’ experience . She offers mold testing and inspection to determine the quantity and types of mold present, protocol writing for remediators to follow, and 3^rd party clearance testing.

(850) 865-7218

When you are struggling with addiction, PTSD, and/or mental health, it can seem like things will never change.  At the Okaloosa Outpatient Center, we specialize in helping patients achieve lifelong transformations.  We provide Intensive Outpatient Treatment for PTSD, trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and more, using evidence based treatments.

www.EmeraldCoastBehavioral.com

(850) 226-7893

Red Ginger’s concept is modern sushi and hibachi style. It is fit for all age groups. We offer Kids Eat Free on Tuesday, Lady’s Night on Wednesday, and Senior Night on Thursday. Our goal at Red Ginger Sushi and Hibachi Restaurant is to provide an unforgettable dining experience for all our patrons.

www.RedGingerDestin.com

(850) 460-8484 or (850) 460-8485

Doctors Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields, creators of Proactiv®, have now launched Rodan + Fields. This new Company is positioned to dominate the Anti-Aging market as they already dominate the Acne market. This extension of vision brings dermatology based skincare solutions to everyone and offers unprecedented credibility as a home business opportunity. 

Gabriel & Holley Sedlak 

Pioneer Consultants

Million Dollar Circle Achievers

www.GabrielandHolley.myRandF.com

(615) 818-8288

“Our mission is to create a championship haircut experience for men and boys in an exciting sports environment, and our retail products best suit men’s hair styles,” explains local Sport Clips franchise team leader Bear Henley. Sport Clips is fully equipped for the sports enthusiast.  We offer our signature MVP Experience with a neck and shoulder massage and a steamed towel treatment.

www.SportClips.com

(850) 460-2847 or (850) 862-3814

Studio Blue Pilates

www.StudioBluePilates.com

(850) 797-8366

Vacasa, named #9 on the 2014 Inc. 5000 list, continues to build its local team here in Destin. The full-service vacation rental management firm has added Johanna Blue, Elizabeth Pugh, and Alicia Betts in business development. Homeowners are encouraged to visit vacasa.com/property-management to contact the local team.

www.vacasa.com/usa/florida/destin/

(850) 208-3580

Xtreme Sports Fan Team Merchandise & Fan Gear

www.XtremeSportsFan.com

(850) 243-6688

For more information about Chamber membership, please call contact Membership Consultant Jacqui Luberto at jluberto@DestinChamber.com or (850) 837-2711 x3.

March 2015 Business Briefs / Member News Part 1

Students Grow Sea Oats to Restore Dunes
Throughout the month of January, sixth graders across Okaloosa and Walton counties began growing sea oats in their classrooms as a part of the Dunes in Schools program. Students are growing sea oats to help restore the dune systems of our local beaches. Students will take care of the sea oats until April, when they travel to a restoration site to transplant their sea oats on the beach. Led by the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) of Northwest Florida State College, Dunes in Schools provides students with an opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge to the environment by actively involving the students in the restoration of local coastal systems. In addition to growing sea oats, students participating in Dunes in Schools receive monthly lessons about the rare coastal dune lakes and barrier islands found in Northwest Florida.

Okaloosa County EMS Gets 100% on No-Notice Inspection
The Florida Bureau of EMS conducted an unscheduled inspection of  Okaloosa County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) on Thursday, Feb. 19, which resulted in 100 percent compliance. This is an in-depth inspection of all service records, including training files, vehicle documents, pharmacology tracking, and DEA compliance, as well as Quality Assurance processes. Ambulances were also inspected for maintenance compliance, equipment functionality, and overall cleanliness.

ECTC Adds Art to “Art”
Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) is collaborating with 12 Northwest Florida-based artists to create a dazzling visual art gallery showcase. The art showcase is free to those who purchase a theater ticket to “Art,” a comedy by French playwright Yasmina Reza, running two consecutive weekends, March 6-8 and March 13-15 in suite 15 at the Market Shops, located at 9375 US Highway 98, near the entrance to Sandestin and Hilton resorts in Miramar Beach. The featured artists reflect a range of mediums from repurposed glass art and mixed media folk art to hand-woven baskets and even vintage statement jewelry. For details, visit EmeraldCoastTheatre.org or call (850) 687-1637. This production is made possible with generous support from Emerald Coast Magazine.

New General Manager Joins Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood
Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood, located inside the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, announced Paul Hawkins as its new general manager. With 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Hawkins came to Seagar’s after 13 years working his way through the Capital Grille franchise in Charlotte, Tampa, Milwaukee, and Jacksonville, where he worked as manager and eventually became managing partner. The addition of Hawkins also means new initiatives for Seagar’s. The restaurant recently launched a new Wednesday night wine program, “Wine Down Wednesday,” that features six wines selected by Advanced Sommelier Myres McDougal, paired with cheese selected by Executive Chef Dan Vargo. For details, visit Seagars.com or call (850) 622-1500.

35th Emerald Coast HOG Toy Run Helps CIC Kids
Emerald Coast HOG Chapter president Vito Tomasello and club members presented $15,000 to Children in Crisis (CIC) president and CEO Ken Hair and Children’s Advocacy Center CEO Julie Hurst to help the abused children of our community. The money was raised during its 35th Annual Toy Run and Funds Ride. More than 500 bikes participated in the event. Entry fee was $10, and each participant donated a new toy or gift card. Emerald Coast Harley Davidson and Sam’s Club sponsored the event.

Acentria Announces Partnership with VanAllen Insurance Agency
Acentria Insurance announced its partnership with VanAllen Insurance Agency. VanAllen Agency serves Central Florida offering personal or business insurance.

“With this partnership, Acentria continues to expand its footprint in the state of Florida. VanAllen Insurance is a great fit for our strategic long-term goals, aligning agencies with a dynamic combination of unparalleled customer service, community involvement and product selection,” remarked Kendall McEachern, CEO of Acentria Insurance.

Twin Cities Hospital: Preventing Type 2 Diabetes with Proven Program
Twin Cities Hospital is launching a Diabetes Prevention Program to help community members learn how to prevent type 2 diabetes. Guided by a trained lifestyle coach, groups of participants will learn the skills they need to make lasting changes, such as losing a modest amount of weight, being more physically active, and managing stress. Groups meet once a week for 16 weeks, then once monthly for six months to maintain healthy lifestyle changes. This program is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The local program will begin meeting March 18, 2015. To participate, contact Leah Roberts, RD, CDE, at (850) 729-9480.

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) Passenger Count Continues to Climb in First Quarter
Passenger growth in January for the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is up more than eight percent from 2014 numbers, compared to four percent growth for the Panama City and Pensacola airports. Total departing passengers were up 8.18 percent over the same month last year and arrivals were up almost 9 percent.

27th Annual ArtsQuest Reveals 2015 Featured Artist and New Surprises
ArtsQuest, a fine arts festival produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) and presented by Visit South Walton and Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, reveals Amanda Bennett as the Featured Festival Artist. The 27th annual festival, a Mother’s Day weekend tradition, is scheduled for May 8-10, in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin’s Town Center. ArtsQuest is a juried fine arts festival featuring over 100 artists in various mediums including but not limited to ceramics, glass, oil and acrylics, photography, sculpture, metal and wood.

Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast Named One of Nation’s 100 Top Hospitals® 
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast has been named one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals® by Truven Health Analytics for the fourth year in a row and the fifth time since opening in 2003. Truven Health Analytics, formerly Thomson Reuters, is a leading provider of information and solutions to improve the cost and quality of healthcare. The Truven Health 100 Top Hospitals® study identifies hospitals and leadership teams that provide the highest level of value to their communities, based on a national balanced scorecard. The 100 Top Hospitals scorecard measures hospital performance across 10 areas: mortality; inpatient complications; patient safety; average patient stay; expenses; profitability; patient satisfaction; adherence to clinical standards of care; and post-discharge mortality and readmission rates for acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, and pneumonia.

Members Pack World of Beer for February Business after Hours

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Feb. 26 Business After Hours sponsored by World of Beer! Members packed the house to enjoy one of Destin's newest establishments.

Click here to see more photos from the event. 

Thank you to those donating door prizes, including the following:
- HarborWalk Village
- Infinite Lasers LLC
- SimpleHR
- World Impact Real Estate
- Xtreme Sports Fan Team Merchandise & Fan Gear

Join us on March 26 for our Business After Hours sponsored by Travinia Italian Kitchen. 

February 2015 Business Briefs / Member News Part 4

JCLEA Donates to CIC Children
The First Judicial Circuit Law Enforcement Association (JCLEA) recently donated $750 to Children in Crisis (CIC) to support the children’s educational requirements. For additional information on CIC or ways to support the CIC vision, please visit ChildrenInCrisisFL.org or call 864-4242.

MKAF Celebrates 20 Years 
Twenty years ago, the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) began an earnest mission to bring art programs, cultural events, art education, and lively entertainment to the sleepy beach town of Destin. MKAF will celebrate this significant milestone with activities and events throughout the year, showcasing the cultural and educational outreach made by the organization. On March 12, the City of Destin will proclaim it “Mattie Kelly Day” with an official proclamation commemorating the 103rd birthday of Mattie Kelly. Other events, which will showcase the 20th anniversary, include the April 11 “December ‘63, a Musical Tribute to Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons,” and the introduction of a new Bluegrass music concert, “Bluegrass Meets the Beach,” Sept. 11 - 12, featuring the award-winning and chart-topping band, Blue Highway. It will also hold its signature events, including Concerts in the Village, Festival of the Arts, and Sound of the Season. For more information about MKAF’s mission and events or to become a member, visit MattieKellyArtsFoundation.org or call (850) 650-2226.

Rocky Bayou Country Club Offers No Initiation Memberships
Rocky Bayou Country Club is the only member-owned private golf course along the Emerald Coast. Its 18 holes of championship golf and clubhouse provide the perfect atmosphere to enjoy. It also has a pool during the spring and summer that is undergoing a renovation in March. It is currently offering NO INITIATION memberships and has a membership category to fit just about anyone. If you want more information about Rocky Bayou Country Club, visit RockyBayouCC.com or email Jared Morton, director of golf and club operations, at jmorton@RockyBayouCC.com or call (850) 678-3270 x4.

Bid for a Good Cause During Cox Charity Auction
Cox and Home Instead Senior Care will present the Cox Charity Auction to benefit Covenant Hospice beginning April 11 through May 9. The virtual fundraising event will feature four week-long auctions hosted online at CoxCharityAuction.com. Each auction will feature a variety of packages starting at 40 percent of the retail value. Items include an iPad Mini, a fishing trip and dolphin cruise, golf packages, hot air balloon ride, spa and massage services, artwork, jewelry, tickets to area events, and gift certificates to local and national chain restaurants and retailers. The online auction schedule is as follows: Auction One, April 11-18; Auction Two, April 18-25; Auction Three, April 25-May 2; Auction Four, May 2-9. For details, call (850) 428-0605 or email rachel.mayew@covenanthospice.org.

WSRE will Premiere Television Special on IMPACT 100 
WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast, has produced a television special about the significant contributions of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area. “IMPACT 100: Changing Lives, Strengthening Communities,” hosted by Sherri Hemminghaus Weeks, will premiere on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. IMPACT 100 is a phenomenon in women’s philanthropy, a transformational approach that empowers women from all walks of life to profoundly change the communities in which they live. The WSRE presentation tells the IMPACT 100 story by highlighting IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, the world’s largest IMPACT 100 organization.

Tom Thumb Stores Donates to CIC Kids
Teresa Smith, Tom Thumb Inc. vice president of operations, and Mark Salisbury, Tom Thumb Inc. president, presented a donation of $750 and several large boxes of gifts to Ken Hair, Children in Crisis (CIC) president and CEO. The funds will be used to help feed, clothe, and care for the children living at the CIC Neighborhood and the gifts are for the CIC Educational Incentive program.

2015 Destin Forward Class Raises $5,006 to aid in Restoration of Primrose, Old Post Office
On Friday, Feb. 20, the 2015 Destin Forward Class held its “Pins and Pancakes for the Primrose” fundraiser and raised $5,006 to be used for the City of Destin’s restoration and relocation project for the Old Post Office, Destin’s first post office, and the Primrose, Destin’s first siene boat. Thirteen corporate teams and many individuals gathered at Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl & Grill for a breakfast buffet and two hours of bowling. Teams included Bluewater Bay Marina Complex; Bluewater Bay Yachts; Destin Commons; Emerald Coast Title Services, LLC; First City Bank; Harrison Sale McCloy; Mr. Done Right Handyman; Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc.; ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals; Jim Liufau Ins. Agency, Inc., State Farm Ins.; ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance, Inc.; and Wyndham Vacation Resorts. Other corporate donations were made by Emerald Coast Wealth Advisors of Raymond James, First National Bank and Trust and Ocean Reef Resorts, in addition to hundreds of dollars in individual donations. BayArea Awards & Engraving gave away trophies to the Top Female Bowler - Dottie Liufau, Top Male Bowler - Jim Liufau and Top Team - Liufau McCall Insurance Group. Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill donated all services and product for the fundraiser so all donations received will go directly to the restoration and relocation project.

“Leading Ladies” to be Rescheduled
Emerald Coast Theatre Company announced that the benefit performance of “Leading Ladies,” slated for Thursday, Feb. 26, will be rescheduled. “We are looking forward to staging ‘Leading Ladies’ sometime later this season. In the meantime, we hope Emerald Coast theater and art-lovers will join us for our the next scheduled performance of our 2014-15 season, which is a terrific comedy called ’Art,’” said ECTC producing artistic director Nathanael Fisher. Directed by ECTC artistic producer Nathanael Fisher, “Art” will be staged two weekends, March 6-8, and March 13-15, at 7:30 p.m., in the Market Shops at Sandestin. For details, visit EmeraldCoastTheatre.org or call (850) 687-1637.

President's Message: Early 2015 Observations

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

February 2015 Business Briefs / Member News Part 3

Local Students Working Against Tobacco Write, Record Original Anti-Tobacco Ads 

Okaloosa County high school students, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County, are making their voices heard - literally. Members of the organization Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) created and recorded original radio spots to educate fellow students and others living in Northwest Florida about the dangers associated with the use of smokeless tobacco. The 30-second spots are now running on stations 92.1FM and 98.1 FM and will run through the nationally observed 2015 Through with Chew Week February 15-21.

Costa Family McDonalds Makes Donation to CIC
The Costa Family McDonald’s presented a $1,500 donation to its “McCafe with a Cause” Charity of the Month Children in Crisis (CIC). Every Monday, Costa’s McDonald’s donates 50 percent of its coffee proceeds to a Charity of the Month. David Costa, president/owner, Costa Enterprises, and the Costa Team, presented a check to Ken Hair, CIC president and CEO.

ECAR Announces Realtor of the Year, Other Awards 
The Emerald Coast Association of Realtors (ECAR) announced its 2014 award winners Feb. 10, at the Sandestin Bayside Ballroom. Marilue Maris was chosen as the 2014 Realtor of the Year. Anne Rendle, ECAR CEO, and Sam Kincaid, president, presented the award to Maris.

Other ECAR award winners included Crestview Realtor of the Year Katie Peugh, Destin Realtor of the Year Sam Kinkaid, Fort Walton Beach Realtor of the Year Denis Milonas, Niceville Realtor of the Year Susan Rood, North Walton Realtor of the Year Terry Pilcher, South Walton Realtor of the Year Judy Sheridan, Commercial Realtor of the Year Gordon MacLean, Distinguished Service Award Richard Hickenbotham, Good Neighbors Tedd and Jeannie Wilson, Newcomer Award Michele Bailey, Silent Angel Jackie Pilcher, and Unsung Hero Mike Cadogan.

CIC Breaks Ground on New Foster Home
Children in Crisis (CIC) will have a groundbreaking ceremony on Feb. 19, at 3:30 p.m., at the Children’s Neighborhood on Hurlburt Road in Fort Walton Beach, and the entire community is invited. Construction on the next family foster home, The Travis Tringas Cottage, will begin this month. This is another giant step forward and a significant milestone for CIC.

Sacred Heart Now Offers Upgraded MRI Services 
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast upgraded its MRI to provide physicians with a more enhanced diagnostic tool to identify injuries or disease processes. The $1.4 million investment upgrades the hospital’s MRI magnet to 1.5T.

“Our enhanced MRI has a wider opening and feet-first entry to provide a more comfortable experience and to ease patients’ anxiety,” says Art Schnitzer, Radiology Manager at Sacred Heart Hospital. “The benefit of the larger magnet is improved image quality to help physicians better diagnose their patients and follow up on treatment progress.”

Janet Huckabee Visits Children in Crisis, Reads to the Kids
Janet Huckabee, wife of former Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee, visited Children in Crisis (CIC) and the kids living at the CIC Neighborhood this week. After touring the children’s homes and neighborhood grounds, Huckabee gathered the children in a large group and read several books.

World Impact Real Estate Welcomes “Special Forces” Gabriel Jaime-Astacio
New World Impact Real Estate Realtor Gabriel Jaime-Astacio was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. He is an active duty Army soldier stationed at Eglin Air Force Base for the past three years, with nine total years in the service. Jaime-Astacio received his real estate license in February 2015. As a recent home buyer, he has a desire to assist other first time home buyers experience home ownership. He wants to focus his efforts towards military home buyers. You may reach him at (719) 331-3867.

February Lunch Focuses on RESTORE Act

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Feb. 10 Leaders In Business Lunch Sponsored by Fort Walton Beach Medical Center! Sal Nodjomian, executive vice president with Matrix Design Group and a former commander of the 96th Air Base Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, discussed the RESTORE Act and the Okaloosa RESTORE Act Committee (ORAC). Nodjomian is assisting the county in developing its multi-year plan for RESTORE Act money and evaluating projects for RESTORE Act funding. Also, Dr. Joseph Pedone from Okaloosa Heart & Vascular Center presented What's New in Cardiovascular Services - Our Cutting Edge Technology.

Click here to see more photos from the event. 

Thank you to those donating door prizes, including the following:
- American Cancer Society
- The Breakfast Table Cafe
- Coastal Accounting of NW Florida, PA
- Eglin Federal Credit Union
- Emerald Coast Chiropractic
- Habitat for Humanity, Okaloosa County
- Northwest Florida Daily News
- Planet Beach Contempo Spa
- Professional Records Imaging Mgmt., Inc.
- SimpleHR / SimpleHIRE

Join us on March 10 for our Leaders In Business Lunch. Destin Mayor Mel Ponder will share his State of the City Report. Register by 3 p.m., on Friday, March 6, and be eligible to win FREE advertising on DestinChamber.com!