Destin Chamber Reveals New Logo & Kicks Off 50th Anniversary Year at Annual Banquet

Destin, Fla., Jan. 18 – The Destin Chamber has a new look! On Friday, Jan. 15, during its Annual Awards & Installation Banquet, the Chamber unveiled its new logo.

“I think the new logo certainly reflects what we want to project as our brand.  We’ve captured the tourism component with the waves and colors, but we also captured a growing business community and growing economy with the waves growing from small to large and growing higher.  It’s clean, it’s fresh, it’s iconic.  It’s something our Board is proud of, and we know our members are as well,” explained Chamber President and CEO Shane Moody, CCE, FCCP.

The event also kicked off the Chamber’s 50^th anniversary year, which included recognition of two members, FNBT Bank (left) and Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park (right), who have been members since 1966, the year the Chamber was established.

More than 200 Chamber members gathered at the Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village to witness the festivities, which included the presentation of annual awards and installation of 2016 officers and board of directors.


Outgoing Chamber Chairman Ken Wampler (right), Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc., presented the awards. Julie Cotton (left), Northwest Florida State College, received the James D. Neilson, Sr., Chairman’s Award for Volunteer Service.
“Our winner has always been there for advice, guidance, direction, and simple, even-keeled decision making,” explained Wampler. “She has shown a true passion for the Destin Chamber.” 


Kathy (left) and Ken Whidden (right) of Emerald Coast Chiropractic received the Business Person of the Year Award. 

In presenting the award, Wampler read from the nomination form: The Whiddens “are an outstanding example of local business owners, active community service volunteers, and civic volunteers. They have run a growing local business for over 14 years, contribute to various charitable organizations, and lead by example in encouraging others to also contribute time and talent whenever possible.”


Jeanne Dailey (left), Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc., received the Ann Gibson Community Service Award.

“There isn’t much that’s happened in the Destin community over the past couple of decades in which this year’s winner has not been a part – beach restoration, formation and leadership of Citizens for Good Leadership, the Destin Chamber, the United Way, Rotary, the TDCs of Okaloosa and Walton counties, the Destin Charity Wine Auction,” said Wampler.


For the third straight year, the winner of the Paul Woolman (right) Ambassador of the Year Award was Bill Head (left), for his untiring service to the Chamber and its Ambassador Program.

Outgoing Board members recognized with a plaque for their service included Steve Jay, Warren Averett; Jami Jones, Big Red Truck; Karen McCarthy, Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union; and Scott Seay, Southern Vacation Rentals.
Members of the newly installed 2016 Executive Committee include Chairman Jonathan Ochs, Trustmark National Bank; Chairman Elect Lockwood Wernet, Destin Water Users, Inc.; Treasurer Bill Lindsley, SimpleHR; Immediate Past Chair Ken Wampler, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc.; Vice Chairman – Communications & Marketing Michelle Terry, Dale E. Peterson Vacations; Vice Chairman – Community & Economic Development Bob Perry, Destin Commons; and Vice Chairman – Membership Development Fred Fenn, Fenn Properties, LLC.
Other members of the 2016 Board of Directors include Jeramie Bates, Destin Pointe by Wyndham Vacation Rentals; Kevin Bowyer, Warren Averett; Jason Connor, ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance, Inc.; Julie Cotton, Northwest Florida State College;  Hayward Dykes, Conerly, Bowman & Dykes, LLP; Rebecca Jones, The Rehabilitation Institute of Northwest Florida/Fort Walton Beach Medical Center; Pam Martin, Gulf Power; Brock Rice, Regions Bank; Most Immediate Past Chairman/Ex-Officio Amy Perry, Pleat, Perry & Ritchie, P.A.; Chairman’s Appointee Steve Barber, Destin VIP Magazine and barber & gall promotions; Chairman’s Appointee Jennifer Lovell, Coastal Bank and Trust; and Special Appointee Kim Wintner, Alliance Association Management Co., Inc.

For more information and to see photos from the event, please visit https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.912764992154202.1073741956.105008336263209&type=3.

January 2016 Business Briefs / Member News Part 2

Call to Artists for Okaloosa Arts & Culture Fest 
The Okaloosa Arts Alliance announced a call for artists and crafters for the annual Okaloosa Arts & Culture Fest, which will be held on Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., at the FWB Landing. The annual event features dozens of local artisans and craft vendors, food and beverages, live music, art performances, and free family activities. A silent auction will help raise funds for OAA and the Okaloosa County School Poster contest entries will be on display. Email Amy at amybaty1@gmail.com for a vendor application or more information about the 8th annual Arts Fest.

Sinfonia Presents 4th Annual Wine Women & Shoes
Put your best foot forward for a great cause with Sinfonia Gulf Coast and Wine Women and Shoes (WWS). On Thursday, Jan. 14, at 11:30 a.m., Sinfonia will present a fashion preview “Sole Sisters Lunch” at Bijoux, located in The Market Shops. Brilliant bling from Destin Jewelers along with fashion courtesy of The Village Boutique, incredible door prizes, and a culinary experience noteworthy of Bijoux executive chef Jack McGuckin, paired with Pip Wines, will highlight the event. Tickets are $65 each and include all food, wine and gratuities. For information about other Wine Women and Shoes events, please visit WineWomenAndShoes.com/Sinfonia or call (850) 460-8800.

Tickets On Sale Now for 5th Annual Destin Desserts Event 
The Girl Scouts of the Florida Panhandle recently announced that tickets are on sale now for the highly anticipated 5th Anniversary Destin Desserts event to be held on Jan. 22, 2016. Tickets are $35 each and are available for purchase at three area locations: Shear Twist in Niceville, The Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Destin, and Frillseekers in Destin. They are also available online at gscfp.org.

This year’s competing chefs, that will present their own original dessert creations utilizing famous Girl Scout cookies, include: Chef Nikhil Abuvala of Roux 30a, Chef Chris Rakas of Aegean Restaurant, Sous Chef Katrina Prebula of Lulu’s, Chef Ruston Johnson of Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Pastry Chef Angie Malabet of Bijoux, and Chef Brian Murray of DIG. Proceeds from Destin Desserts solely benefits the Girl Scouts’ Camp Kolomoki, located just west of DeFuniak Springs in Walton County.

Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant Marks 30th Anniversary
Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant is commemorating its 30th anniversary with one of the traditions that has made the eatery one of the most notable on the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast — a sunset celebration toast. The ultimate sunset celebration is set for Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 4:30 p.m. on the Roof Deck. After some brief remarks by Bud & Alley’s founder/owner Dave Rauschkolb, the mic will open for a few comments from the restaurant’s fans, and then the bell will sound to signal the end of another perfect day in Seaside and the beginning of the restaurant’s 30th year.

Museum Hosts Annual Gumbo Cookoff & Silent Auction
The Destin History & Fishing Museum announces its Annual Gumbo Contest and Silent Auction Fundraiser. The event will take place Saturday, Jan. 30, at the Destin Community Center from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Area restaurants and individuals compete for the title of the best gumbo on the panhandle. The event will include live music by a local band and a silent auction of more than 60 packages, including artwork, vacation stays, jewelry, restaurant gift certificates, boating and fishing trips, services, golf, recreational activities, and much more. Come sample all the area’s finest gumbo and cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award. Advanced tickets are available now at the Museum for $15 per adult. Admission will be $20 at the door the day of the event. For more information concerning entering your gumbo in the contest, donating an item for the silent auction, or attending the event, contact the Museum at (850) 837-6611 or email kathydestinhistory@gmail.com.

“Focus on Skin Cancer: Early Detection and Treatment” Topic of Jan. 19 Seminar
Community members are invited to participate in a unique Lunch ‘n Learn seminar opportunity titled “Focus on Skin Cancer: Early Detection and Treatment” on Tuesday, Jan. 19, at 11:30 a.m., hosted by Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast. Dr. Michael Stickler, Dermatology Specialists of Florida, will present on the importance of early detection for skin cancer and how to protect our skin from the elements. After the seminar, attendees will have the opportunity to have an exposed skin cancer screening for areas, such as the face, scalp, arm, and leg areas, (provided the attendee is wearing shorts). The free community-education seminar will be held in Sacred Heart Hospital’s Resource Center, Suite 3 Conference Room. Call (850) 278-3600 or (877) 416-1620 to register. Lunch is provided, but space is limited.

Introducing ECAR’s 2016 LDP Class 
The Emerald Coast Association of Realtors ushered in its next group of future leaders this Wednesday. This select group of Realtors became the newest class of the ECAR Leadership Development Program (LDP). The LDP Class of 2016 inductees include Bridget Bates, Ashley Botelho, Julie Dickerson, Lynn Gauthier, Amanda Grandy, Donna Holman, Tracy Jennette, Sherry Johnson, Susan Robinson, and Kurt Sprigler. LDP is an initiative designed to identify and develop potential leaders for ECAR. The program is beneficial for Realtors who seek to enhance their leadership abilities and effectiveness within the context of Realtor associations, as well as the community at large. 

Spend Saturday at the Museum
Looking for something to do over the weekend? Come to “Saturday at the Museum” on Jan. 30, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida. Adults, seniors, and military can take advantage of the reduced $3 children’s admission rate. Guests of all ages may participate in an instructed craft time with history lesson at either 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. Pack your lunches, bring your family and friends, and plan to stay for the day. View historic exhibits and learn about the heritage of Northwest Florida. Play in the hands-on Discovery Room for kids, and picnic in Paradise Gardens or at one of Valparaiso’s beautiful city parks. For details, call (850) 678-2615 or visit Heritage-Museum.org.

Nine-year Old Donates Birthday Presents to CIC Children
Nine-year old Emily Baldwin has learned to be charitable at an early age. During her recent birthday party she decided to donate all her gifts to the children living at Children in Crisis (CIC). She asked her guests to bring a donation or needed item for the CIC children instead of toys. Seen here, Ken Hair, CIC president and CEO, receives the donation from Baldwin. 


Take Museum Survey for Chance to Win Two-Night Stay
Help the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida serve our community better by completing its survey. As thanks for your participation, you could win a two-night stay compliments of the Ramada Plaza Beach Resort. Enter to win by visiting Heritage-Museum.org or stop by the Museum at 115 Westview Ave., in Valparaiso, to complete your survey. The survey must be completed before Tuesday, Jan. 26 to be eligible to win.

Call for Nominations - Distinguished Alumni Award
The Northwest Florida State College Foundation is calling for nominations for its 2016 Distinguished Alumni Awards, and it needs your participation! This is a wonderful opportunity to honor a deserving alumnus of Okaloosa-Walton Junior College, Okaloosa-Walton Community College, Okaloosa-Walton College, or NWF State College. All Alumni Award recipients will be recognized at the 2016 NWF State College Foundation Annual Dinner. For details, visit http://www.nwfscfoundation.org/Alumni/Award.cfm.

New Van for The Children's Center Thanks to Destin Charity Wine Auction
The Children's Center, a division of The Arc of the Emerald Coast, recently received a new van to use for transporting children to and from local schools and other programs. The ability to purchase this van was made possible thanks to the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation 2015 Donation. The continued support to The Children's Center has made it a valuable resource providing an inclusive environment to children with and without development delays to learn, play, and grow together. 

Sheriff’s Office Donates Car to The Arc of the Emerald Coast
The Arc of the Emerald Coast received a very welcome New Year’s donation from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Ashley and Undersheriff Don Adams handed over car keys to Donna Tashik, community development director, and LA Woodall, foundation director, to a much needed vehicle to be used by The Arc of the Emerald Coast in providing services for persons with disabilities in Okaloosa County. Transportation vehicles are currently the number one need for the agency. The Arc of the Emerald Coast provides transportation services to clients for doctor and dentist appointments, therapy sessions, daily living needs, grocery shopping, education, and vocational training.