april-june 2016 bay biz

B AY B I Z | A P R I L - J U N E 2 0 1 6 3

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23rd Street FLYOVER

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Departments8 POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE Fracking In Florida

14 DEFENSE INTEL The Best Military Affairs Committee in The World

16 EDUCATION A Look Inside Bay High’s Digital Media Academy

18 ECONOMIC PROFILE

24 WORKFORCE CONNECTION

26 BIZ LIST

32 BYP MEMBERS TO KNOW

34 CHAMBER EVENTS CALENDAR

36 NEW MEMBERS

37 MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

38 OUT & ABOUT

Features10 COVER STORY 23rd Street Flyover Project

20 2016 ANNUAL BED RACES AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS BLOCK PARTY

30 PROGRAM AT BAY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY TRAINS DOGS TO AID IN NATIONAL SECURITY

16

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

BUSINESS TRIP

TRAVIS ALLEN

PANAMA CITY

TAMPA

3.15.2016

B 12

BAY TO BAY IN A DAY

Global access with daily flights on Delta, Southwest, United and Silver

IFlyBeaches.com

WITH NONSTOP SERVICE TO:

ATLANTA | BALTIMOREDALLAS | HOUSTONNASHVILLE | ORLANDOST. LOUIS | TAMPA

and connections to the rest of the world.

PUBLISHERCarol Roberts

EXECUTIVE EDITORBrittany Cole

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSCarol RobertsBrittany Cole

Brandi DeRuiterErykah BellKim Bodine

LAYOUT & DESIGNSean Brosnan

GORGEOUS (strategic branding + design)getgorgeo.us | 850-888-8GRG

COVER23rd Street Flyover by IA Aerial Photography

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSDesiree Gardner Photography, Brittany Cole, IA Aerial

Photography, FDOT, and Bay High School

BAY BIZ MAGAZINEc/o Bay County Chamber of Commerce

235 W. 5th StreetPanama City, FL 32401

[email protected]

Online: www.panamacity.orgfacebook.com/baychamberfl

twitter.com/baychamberfl

The Bay Biz is published quarterly by the Bay County Chamberof Commerce, 235 W. 5th Street, Panama City, FL 32401

850.785.5206

POSTMASTER send address changes to: Bay County Chamber, 235 W. 5th Street, Panama City, FL 32401 or

email [email protected].

The Bay Biz welcomes story ideas from itsreaders. Email to [email protected]. Torequest additional copies, contact 850-785-5206.

1138879★Alcohol Offenses

★D.U.I. Offenses★Drug Offenses★Assault and Battery★ Traffic Offenses


TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

BUSINESS TRIP

TRAVIS ALLEN

PANAMA CITY

TAMPA

3.15.2016

B 12

BAY TO BAY IN A DAY

Global access with daily flights on Delta, Southwest, United and Silver

IFlyBeaches.com

WITH NONSTOP SERVICE TO:

ATLANTA | BALTIMOREDALLAS | HOUSTONNASHVILLE | ORLANDOST. LOUIS | TAMPA

and connections to the rest of the world.

6 B AY B I Z | A P R I L - J U N E 2 0 1 6

Spring has sprung and thank goodness we are on Daylight Savings Time!Have you ever wondered really what a Chamber of Commerce is? I wanted to spend some of this article on the basics of Cham-bers of Commerce. Most Chambers are stood up as 501c(6) busi-ness and professional organizations. Not charities. Many folks seem to think that Chambers are a part of city, county, state or federal government, but we are NOT. Many think that we report to the Florida Chamber or to the U.S. Chamber, but we do NOT. Chambers are independent organizations that report to their Board of Directors, and of course, the members at large. There is frequent confusion on issues addressed or stances taken by the state or national Chamber and that we endorse those decisions. We DO NOT. However, dependent on the issue, we will and do make our own decisions. The Bay County Chamber has a three step rule. Issues, no matter at what level, starts with the Gov-ernmental Affairs Committee (or another committee) to develop a recommendation; then it moves to the Executive Committee ;and then ultimately the Board of Directors has the final approv-al giving us a broad based opinion on the subject. My point with all of this is to inform the public that we are a membership based organization supported only by our dues paying members and not supported by tax dollars.

I had the pleasure of attending the Gulf Coast State College Dis-tinguished & Rising Star Alumni Awards Dinner on March 3rd. Our former State Representative, Jimmy Patronis was awarded the Distinguished Alumnus award for his work in public ser-vice. I’m truly honored to call Jimmy my friend and we all owe him a great debt of gratitude for his involvement, hard work and time away from his family to make our great county and state the best it can be. Congrats Jimmy!

March was certainly full of highs and lows for me as I also had to say farewell to my dear friend, Lance Allison, President of

the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce. Lance accepted a position in Paducah, Kentucky to move closer to his children. We periodically had lunch with our counterpart and my best friend in the Chamber industry, Shane Moody from the Destin Chamber. Pictured here, we met for our last lunch at Shades. I will sincerely miss our camaraderie and do wish him the best!

Medical Tourism? What the heck is that I asked? I’ve since been educated on the subject and it could mean big business for our community. Medical Tourism refers to the travel of people to another city, state or country for the purpose of obtaining med-ical treatment; medical related meetings and/or training and health/wellness treatments. How big is the Industry? $100 BIL-LION. An average medical tourist may spend 5 –10 times on tourism and lodging related expenses. VISIT Florida estimates hotel rooms booked for medical tourism purposes in 2012 cre-ated an economic impact of more than $23 million. Planning is underway as how to best market Bay County to these potential clients. Both of your Chambers, Bay EDA, Bay County TDC and the Panama City CDC are working on just that. Stay tuned as this exciting opportunity develops for our market.

I could write a book on our Legislative session that has just ended. There were a lot of wins for our community and state but also lots of losses. Thank you to Representatives Trumbull and Drake and Senator Gaetz for continuing to fight to bring economic growth to our County and region. As we bid farewell to Senator Gaetz, Panama City Beach Mayor Gayle Oberst, Bay County Commissioners George Gainer, Mike Thomas, Sheriff Frank McKeithen, Callaway Mayor Thomas Abbot, and Tax Collector Peggy Brannon, I think we should all pause and thank them for their many years of dedication to public service. There is no glamour to these positions and for individuals like these to put their personal lives on hold to serve their community they deserve a huge round of applause for wanting to make a differ-ence.

In this issue we are highlighting the 70th Anniversary of our Military Affairs Committee. Tonight as I’m writing this, I’m about to head to the celebration. We hope you enjoy this issue and as always, we appreciate our members who invest in the future of our beautiful community!

Carol RobertsPresident/CEO


by: Brandi DeRuiter, Vice President of Governmental Affairs,Bay County Chamber of Commerce

Fracking in Florida

The majority of new gas wells drilled today use a process known as hydraulic fracturing or “fracking.” Wells are

formed by drilling a mile or more beneath the surface before turning horizontal and continuing for several thousand more feet. Once the well is drilled, a mixture of water, chemicals and a “proppant” (usually sand) is pumped into a well at extreme-ly high pressures to fracture rock and allow natural gas to es-cape and migrate up to the well. Source rocks include coalbeds, shales, and tight sandstones. The gas these wells produce goes to processing plants to remove contaminants and make the gas ready for the pipelines that deliver it to commercial, industrial and residential customers. Transmission compression stations help move the gas through 1.5 million miles of natural gas pipe-lines across the United States.

Fracking MixtureChemicals are added to the water and sand mixture to limit the growth of bacteria, prevent corrosion of the well casing, and

help dissolve minerals to initiate cracks in the rock. Some ex-amples include hydrochloric acid, acetaldehyde, and glutaral-dehyde. Fluids are used to create the fractures in the formation and to carry a propping agent (typically silica sand) which is de-posited in the induced fractures to keep them from closing up. The characteristics of the water and shale being fractured de-termines what chemicals are used; there are typically between 3 and 12 additives. The overall concentration of additives for most fracturing is 0.5% to 2%; water makes up the remaining 98% to 99.5% of the solution.

The amount of water used to fracture a well depends on several factors including rock formation, the operator, and whether the well is horizontal or vertical. Examples of average water usage per well include a range of 1.5 to 15.8 million gallons. At 2%, this amounts to 30,000-316,000 gallons of added chemicals required to fracture the well. Water usually comes from local sources: lakes, rivers, and municipal supplies. Some of the fracturing fluid flows back up the well and is stored on site in tanks or pits before disposal. Disposal of wastewater is dealt with in one


of several ways including but not limited to: disposal by un-derground injection, treatment followed by disposal to surface water bodies, or recycling for future fracking operations.

Potential impacts on drinking water resourcesNegative impacts on our drinking water resources occur at all 5 stages of the hydraulic fracturing water cycle. During the initial stage, water acquisition, our drinking water supply is reduced. The second stage poses threats through spills and leaks during chemical mixing. The solution is then injected into the well cre-ating cracks; this can dislodge minerals and radioactive mate-rials that can move into aquifers. Flowback occurs during the fourth stage when pressure in the well is released; a potential impact is a release to surface or groundwater. The last stage, wastewater treatment and disposal, poses threats through in-adequate water treatment or hydraulic fracturing contaminants mixing with disinfectants at drinking water treatment facilities. Currently, hydraulic fracturing, except when using diesel fuel, is excluded from the definition of underground injection and not subjected to regulation under the “Safe Water Drinking Act.”

Other ImpactsClimate change is due to methane, the primary constituent of natural gas, a potent greenhouse gas – more than 20 times as potent as carbon dioxide when emitted directly into the atmo-sphere. Oil and natural gas production and processing accounts for nearly 40 percent of all U.S. methane emissions, making the industry the nation’s single largest methane source.

Air impacts can affect respiratory health due to particulates, ex-haust, and volatile organic chemicals. Horizontal wells generate greater volumes of drilling waste (cuttings) than vertical wells. The industry projections of the level of drilling has raised con-cerns relating to community character, including noise and vi-sual impacts; adverse impacts on cultural and historic resources; agriculture, tourism, and scenic resources; and socioeconomics impacts.

Fracking and FloridaBoth hydraulic and acid fracturing have been used in Florida, although not to the degree as seen in some parts of the coun-try. Fracking has received increased attention due to concerns about the environmental impacts associated with the activity and increased efforts by the oil and gas industry to engage in fracking. Many state oil and gas regulatory programs, includ-ing Florida’s, have not been updated to address issues unique to the activity of fracking.

A hotly-debated bill this ses-sion that passed the House and died in the Senate would have directed the De-partment of Environmental

Protection to study the impact of fracking on Florida’s aquifer and unique limestone bedrock, which geologists have described as a sponge-like rock, develop regulations based on the peer-re-viewed study, and pre-empt to the state all local government control. Opponents of this bill state that there were not enough restrictions and that this bill would lay out the welcome mat for fracking companies.

Although oil and mineral rights are property interests protected by the Takings Clause of the US Constitution, the Department of Environmental Protection requires permits and requires that permitted activities be conducted in a safe and environmentally compatible matter. Permits are not issued for Florida’s territo-rial waters, bays, estuaries, lakes, rivers and streams or within one mile of parks and preserves.

* The Bay County Chamber adopted a resolution on January, 21, 2016 that opposes a state preemption of fracking activities, opposes legisla-tion that would create a public records law exemption for proprietary information, and supports a moratorium on all new well stimulation activities until an independent and comprehensive Florida-specific study has been completed and peer reviewed.

The Stages of Hydraulic Fracturing Water Cycle

Schematic illustrating the possible pathways

for subsurfacemigration of fracturing fluids or hydrocarbons

into subsurface potable water aquifers.

< Shown here is a generalized landscape depicting the activities of the hy-draulic fracturing water cycle and their relationship to each other, as well as their relationship to drinking water resources. Arrows depict the move-ment of water and chemicals. Specific activites in the “Wastewater Treat-ment and Waste Disposal” inset are (a) underground injection control (UIC) well disposal, (b) wastewater treatment and reuse, and (c) waste-water treatment and discharge at a centralized waste treatment (CWT) facility. Note: Figure not to scale.


If you want to:Travel south on 23rd Street and turn east on U.S. 98 (15th Street)

Travelers will go west to go east; however they will not incur traffic signals. Desig-nated lanes beginning on 23rd Street will guide vehicles to travel west and loop un-der the flyover and then eastbound and fly over the rail road on U.S. 98.

Travel south on 23rd Street and turn west on U.S. 98

Travelers heading south on 23rd Street will seamlessly travel west in the desig-nated traveling lanes and, in effect, fly over Collegiate Drive and Seaport Drive without stopping as traffic flows continu-ously onto the Hathaway Bridge.

23RD STREET/FLYOVER/PROJECTThe 23rd Street Flyover construction project is underway to elevate U.S. 98 over 23rd Street, Collegiate Drive, Seaport Drive, and the Bay Line Railroad. These improvements will provide continuous movement along U.S. 98 and 23rd Street.

People across Bay County are curious about what this means for their commute and for the visitors coming into the area.

It’s difficult to imagine not having to stop at the 23rd Street and U.S. 98 signal light. This is one of the greatest benefits the 23rd Street Flyover will achieve.

The $67.9 million project is one-mile in length, from the east end of the Hathaway Bridge to west of Michigan Avenue.

Project Improvements• The 23rd Street Flyover will improve safety, commerce, re duce travel delays, and allow better access to Port Panama City, Gulf Coast State College, and Florida State University Panama City.• The entrance to Port Panama City will be widened to accom-modate truck traffic.• Additional improvements include bicycle lanes, sidewalks, drainage, stormwater treatment facilities, enhanced intelli-gent transportation systems, signalization upgrades, utility re-location, lighting, new signage, and minor side road improve-ments.

How will my commute be affected?

23RD STREET/FLYOVER/PROJECT


How will my commute be affected?Travel east from the Hathaway Bridge on U.S. 98 and turn north on 23rd Street

Traffic will flow in designated travel lanes without having to stop because of the ramp systems. In effect, travelers traveling east on the Hathaway Bridge will fly over the traffic light at Collegiate Drive and Seaport Drive and continue traveling in designated lanes that merge onto 23rd Street.

Travel west on U.S. 98 and turn north on 23rd Street

Traffic will move in designated travel lanes without needing to stop. The travel lanes will fly over the rail road tracks and the U.S. 98 and 23rd Street in-tersection, continuing westbound. Upon passing this intersection, vehicles remain in their respective travel lanes and loop east where designated lanes guide traffic onto 23rd Street north.

Travel east or west on U.S. 98 from Moylan Road to Michigan Avenue

Traffic will flow freely east and should make motor-ists happy. Travelers will not encounter traffic sig-nals when traveling eastbound on U.S. 98 between Moylan Road in Panama City Beach and Michigan Avenue in Panama City. Once eastbound on the Ha-thaway Bridge, drivers will fly over the intersection at Collegiate Drive and Seaport Drive, and continue flying over the U.S. 98 and 23rd Street intersection, and train tracks. The first traffic signal drivers come upon is located at Michigan Avenue.

Traveling westbound on U.S. 98 over the Hathaway Bridge, drivers will fly over the same intersections (U.S. 98 and 23rd Street, and Collegiate Drive and Seaport Drive) without having to stop for traffic sig-nals until arriving at Woodlawn Drive and Thomas Drive in Panama City Beach.


How will Gulf Coast State College and Florida StateUniversity Panama City Traffic be impacted?

Signal improvements at the corner of 23rd Street and Collegiate Drive are part of the project. Once on Collegiate Drive, an extended left hand turning lane onto Collegiate Street is included.

Improvements when exiting Collegiate Drive onto 23rd Street consist of a left turn bike lane, two extended left hand turning lanes, and a dedicated right hand turning lane leading onto 23rd Street.

Gulf Coast State College and Florida State University Panama City students and faculty will have access to the college campuses through-out all phases of the construction improvements on Collegiate Drive.

How will the Intersection at Port Panama City andCollegiate Drive on U.S. 98 Change?

When travelling U.S. 98 to either Port Panama City or the U.S. 98 Collegiate Drive entrance, designated lanes will guide travelers to the signal light at U.S. 98 and Seaport Drive/Collegiate Drive. When exiting the port or the college, drivers can travel both east and west on U.S. 98 to get to their destination using the ramps and flyover design.

Sequence of ConstructionPhase one of construction is underway. Storm drainage structures are being created, erosion control measures are being installed on the work site, and contractors are grading the roadway in advance of building the alternate route for the existing U.S. 98.

Travelers will use these alternate U.S 98 lanes while the flyover is being built. This is projected to occur winter 2017. During this phase, traffic signals at U.S. 98 and 23rd Street and the railroad stop bars will continue to be utilized.

The good news for travelers is that alternate U.S. 98 will have the same number of east and west travel lanes as the existing U.S. 98, thereby maintaining a smooth traffic flow throughout the project. FDOT has gone to great lengths to alleviate the traffic slowdown by including the alternate route in the 23rd Street Flyover construction design.

The remaining phases of the project will include the construction of the flyover and ramps, connecting the entire project.

What Will the Ramps Look Like? The 23rd Street Flyover will have a unique look when completed. Existing features that are utilized on the Thomas Drive Interchange may look familiar, including precast concrete retaining walls (known in construction terms as Mechanically Sta-bilized Earth, or MSE walls) and columns that support the overhead ramps (com-monly called Hammerhead Piers). Take a look around the next time you are sitting at the traffic light at U.S. 98 and Thomas Drive. Notice the roadway overhead, the supporting columns, and the retaining wall designs supporting the structure and road-way. Similar construction and the same style lighting fixtures will also be incorpo-rated into the 23rd Street Flyover’s design.

Additional improvements: Work is scheduled to be completed fall 2019. Traffic on U.S. 98 will be maintained during construction, including access to driveways and business entrances. Side streets will be impacted. There will be no major U.S. 98 traffic impacts until winter 2017 when traffic will shift to the alternate U.S. 98 detour.

As with any project, all planned construction activities are weather dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Drivers are always reminded to be aware of trucks and equipment entering and exiting the roadway and to pay attention to the reduced speed limit when traveling through the construction area.

What’s Next? There are many ways to find out more information about the 23rd Street Flyover project, including several social media avenues. For more project information and the latest traffic advisories, visit and like Facebook.com/my23rdstreetflyover or follow on Instagram at my23rdstreetflyover. You may also follow the Florida Department of Transportation District Three on Twitter @myfdot_nwfl or like them on Facebook at Facebook.com/MyFDOTNWFL.


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by: Brandi DeRuiter, Vice President of Governmental Affairs,Bay County Chamber of Commerce

A discussion was held during a Bay County Chamber Board of Directors Meeting on March 15, 1946. It was

the consensus of opinions that since it was likely the Army and Navy were to make this community a permanent installation site for both forces, a committee should be appointed to han-dle Army and Navy relations. That discussion was the heart of what we now know as the Military Affairs Committee.

The newly formed committee took its first action less than a week later on March 21st when a party of Army Officers came to Tyndall. The Officers were to survey the base as a possible per-manent facility as they were deciding which World War II bases to retain. Housing was one of the main factors in making a de-cision. To fully understand the needs of the military, Chamber President Cecil Kelly and Army-Navy Committee Chairman, Jesse Cogburn met with these officers and Tyndall.

A June 1st, 1946 statement issued by the Board of Directors de-tails their strategic economic foresight and community involve-ments:

“Panama City is most fortunate in being selected as the site of the Air Tactical School of the Army Air Forces. Its immediate, as well as long range effects will be of untold economic as well as cultural value. We must therefore recognize the vast responsi-bilities thrust on us as well as our good fortune.”

“In all our conferences with Army officials we have assured them that this community would take care of their needs. We, the Board of Directors of the (then named) Panama City Cham-ber of Commerce, wish to ask for the wholehearted cooperation of this entire community in seeing that this pledge is kept.”

And keep that pledge they did. Less than six hours after offi-cial announcements that Tyndall Air Field was the Air Tactical School, local businessmen organized a corporation, and raised $100,000 to build new homes for Army personnel. Average cost of homes at that time was around $4,000. With the population and payrolls, there must also be schools, parks, transportation, and sewer and water facilities.

The Best Military AffairsCommittee in the World


Less than four months later, the Army-Navy Committee and Chair Jesse Cogburn, set the pattern of which we have come to expect 70 years later a committee sponsored party. This first party was a “Get Acquainted” informal dinner dance held for Military Officers. The party began at the Cove Hotel and then moved to St. Andrew’s Bay Yacht Club for dancing.

Civic leader tours provided a wealth of information about the defenses of the United States. The briefings given to these busi-ness leaders provided understanding of the defense system, fu-ture plans, and vital needs. The tours also brought community leaders closer together and resulted in a committed community with close ties to our local bases.

Bay County MAC GenerosityDuring a 1971 Civic Leader Tour of the military facilities in Key West, 25 MAC Members were aboard the Coast Guard Cutter “Cape York” for a 2 hour cruise. The Panama City business-men were enjoying calm waters and picturesque coastline view when the ship’s loudspeaker snapped a curt message from shore directing the cutter to divert several miles away where Coast Guard Aircraft spotted an old boat drifting with someone aboard, a possible Cuban refugee. Excitement ran high among the MAC members as they spotted the circling aircraft. As they drew closer, the young man shouted to the ship and one of the Coast Guard crewmen who could speak Spanish conversed and interpreted for the others. Their conversations revealed that he was not alone as a woman emerged from under a pile of clothes. The man explained that she was his wife and they had been drift-ing since their motor quit working during their daring escape from Cuba. The couple was taken aboard and was shown gen-uine Bay County hospitality; but as the MAC members learned of the Cuban couple’s bleak future, their excitement changed to concern. The couple was soon offered jobs, living quarters, and MAC members were digging into their pockets and pulling out big bills for their emergency fund. That’s when the Coast Guard Skipper stepped in. “It’s all a hoax,” he said ,staged for a learn-ing experience. The girl was a Key West Chamber staff member and the young man was a member of the crew. The plan was to continue to the customs gate on shore and then reveal to the committee the hoax once they had been taken in and refresh-ments brought out. What the Key West hosts did not count on, was the true generosity demonstrated by our Military Affairs Committee.

MAC gained worldwide recognition when its 1972 Beach Party made the Airforce Times as a full-page photo feature, a news-paper that goes to every Air Force base in the world. A fish fry, beer, live bands, and good people attracted more than 1,400 young airmen, commanders, officers, and MAC members to this annual beach party. Thatched huts, colored lights, and luau dé-cor put everyone in a festive mood for this lively event.

With MAC hosting all of the civic leader tours, farewell recep-tions, luncheons, and socials, this is the kind of activity that has brought the Bay County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee the reputation of being the “Best Military Affairs Committee in the World”.

Economic ImportanceTyndall Air Force Base and Naval Support Activity Panama City create 22,561 military, civilian, and contracted jobs making up 31% of Bay County’s economy. The average defense job in Northwest Florida pays 2.5 times the average NW Florida in-come.

In 1991 the Naval Coastal Systems Station appeared on the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) list. Bay County Chamber Chairman Jim McIntyre and a group of MAC Members testified at BRAC hearings in Jacksonville. As a result, the closure rec-ommendation was changed to a realignment action which kept the base intact and led to its growth. That strong arm continued protecting these assets behind the scenes and formed the Bay Defense Alliance (BDA). The BDA was organized by MAC’s 1993 Chairman, Larry Dantzler, along with several former MAC Chairmen, in response to those events that indicated both bases could close under BRAC. This 30 member board made 25 trips to Washington DC during that time to work with key BRAC personnel, effectively keeping our bases off of the base realign-ment and closure list. This was done at their personal expense. They did this knowing that defense installations can only re-main strong and efficient with the full support of the communi-ties around them and the ongoing commitment of both military and elected leadership.

The Military Affairs Committee’s mission is to pro-mote a cooperative working relationship and direct support to the military installations. The MAC host many social events recognizing new and departing leadership from our area bases, as well as being one of the sponsors of the Tyndall Air Show. MAC members are invited to participate in numerous change-of-command and special events at both installations. With over 260 members, MAC is the largest Bay Chamber Committee.

Any member of either the Bay County Chamber of Commerce or the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce may join MAC at a cost of a one-time $50 fee to join and a pro-rata share for each event. Any member in good standing of a surrounding county Chamber of Commerce may join MAC for a one-time fee of $100 and a pro-rata share of each event. Corporate member-ships are also available.

The MAC committee is kept up-to-date with the quarterly e-newsletter “MAC Messenger”. To get involved with the MAC contact Brandi DeRuiter at 850.215.3759 or [email protected].

Much of the information in this article is due to the work of Mr. Hank Basham who served as Public Relations Chief at Tyndall Air Force Base from 1957-1983. In 1986 he published a book called “Legend of the MAC” a 40 year (1946-1986) pictorial history of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce Military Af-fairs Committee. The Chamber today maintains only two copies of the book that was published but hundreds of Bay Countians and others worldwide have copies on their bookshelves.


“Alright everyone, turn off your monitors and come on over!” This is how Dr. Stacey Shanklin’s third period Digital Design 2 class starts a new design project. Students pull their chairs into a circle around the project table, where Dr. Shanklin introduces us to our client for our next project, Mr. Bullock, Assistant Principal of Guidance. This time, we were asked to create a brochure for Bay High’s AICE Physics program. We met with our client and wrote down his needs and ideas, then we asked questions to get a clearer idea of what Mr. Bullock would want to see in the bro-chure he requested. After our client left our meeting, we began making a rough draft of the brochure and everyone in our class was assigned a part to create. When we finished our project and sent it to the client, we had created a full color, tri-fold brochure that highlighted all the science program had to offer, introduced the physics teacher, and the benefits of taking the AICE Physics

class. The biggest lessons that we learned were how to actually make a brochure. Great opportunities can come around at any time, and the skills we learned in this project can help us in the future.

Dr. Shanklin’s Digital Design 2 class is one of a few courses of-fered in the Digital Media Academy. An increase in the need for talented designers in the digital media industry led to the estab-lishment of Bay High School’s Digital Media Academy in 2013. The goal of the academy is to prepare students to be proficient with computers both personally and professionally. Cours-es provide students with relevant content such as real-world, hands-on projects for actual clients integrated with academic concepts and workplace skills to create a well-rounded program that gives students strong insights into employment in related careers. Throughout their coursework, students will learn how to use Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and oth-er supporting software programs. Additionally, students will work toward an industry certification in at least six programs.

A Look Inside Bay High’s Digital Media Academyby: Erykah Bell, Digital Design StudentBay High School


Why do students choose to take classes in The Digital Media Academy at Bay?

Matthew, an advanced design student states, “I like this class because it’s a laid back environment, it is less stressful, yet still challenging. I get to learn about my future career field, and I get to be creative.” Other students agree; “Because it’s Better at Bay,” is a general answer people get when they ask why a student chooses to take a Digital Design course. Other students add, that they like all the community and real-life related as-signments to “keep things fresh and interesting.” Students en-joy opportunities to create digital designs that allow them to express themselves in ways that they may not have otherwise been able to had they not learned how to use Photoshop. They also look forward to seeing their work used to share informa-tion around school, in the local community, and on the web.

While students enjoy tapping into their creative abilities, they also receive valuable incentives toward college and career when taking digital media courses. Incentives include the Vocational Gold Seal Scholarship upon successful completion of specific course sequences, free industry certification exams, extra high school and college credit, and opportunities to meet and talk with industry experts from the local community.

What is in store for the future of Bay High’s Digital Media Academy?

Dr. Shanklin teaches all of her Digital Design classes in an ex-traordinary way that is outside the box. Her class is interactive, and she is involved and listens to the students. When I asked Dr. Shanklin why she teaches the way she does, she said, “I believe it is important to model as close to real-world of an environment as I can for my students. By that I mean, I treat my students almost like they are employees. I expect them to be present, on time, and ready to work. Students are given assignments and expected to meet deadlines.” Dr. Shanklin likes to encourage re-al-world connections, community involvement, and the ability to show her students the bigger picture.

Dr. Shanklin intends to see the Digital Media Academy contin-ue to grow by adding courses that are relevant to students and the needs of technology-related industries in the local commu-nity and beyond. Dr. Shanklin also has a goal of including more of the local business community in her classroom by inviting guest speakers into the classroom, taking on design projects for

business owners, organizing student internships, and building business relationships that will ultimately benefit her students who are Panama City’s future employees.

If you would like to be a guest speaker, request a design project or internship, or find out how you can be a part of Bay High’s Digital Media Academy, Dr. Shanklin invites you to contact her at Bay High School: [email protected].


LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED UNEMPLOYED UNEMPLOYED RATE

FEB 16

JAN 16

DEC 15

85,875

85,221

84,898

85,773

84,949

85,047

81,544

80,328

80,522

80,489

79,357

79,806

4,331

4,893

4,376

5,284

5,592

5,241

5.0%

5.7%

5.2%

6.2%

6.6%

6.2%

REALTOR SALES MEDIAN PRICE REALTOR SALES MEDIAN PRICE

FEB 16

JAN 16

DEC 15

SEPT 14

OCT 14

NOV 14

257

188

256

179

148

222

$159,900

$173,000

$192,450

$170,000

$176,750

$184,700

18,159

15,996

22,193

18,078

15,762

22,030

$200,000

$199,000

$206,265

$179,999

$174,900

$185,000

FEB 16

JAN 16

DEC 15

SEPT 14

OCT 14

NOV 14

90

80

102

97

133

122

$204,750

$212,000

$245,000

$191,500

$132,000

$199,000

7,658

6,800

9,169

8,099

7,174

9,390

$150,000

$150,962

$155,000

$142,000

$135,711

$147,500

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL

FEB 16

JAN 16

DEC 15

SEPT 14

OCT 14

NOV 14

52

18

33

30

28

32

3

1

0

2

1

1

GROSS SALES TAXABLE SALES TAX COLLECTIONS

FEB 16

JAN 16

DEC 15

SEPT 14

OCT 14

NOV 14

$449,301,670

$670,820,319

$510,109,698

$415,980,518

$610,524,060

$415,211,069

$232,242,658

$291,236,921

$242,844,986

$218,659,958

$267,706,425

$231,862,741

$14,417,289

$17,581,500

$15,404,846

$13,771,058

$16,238,902

$14,361,366

current labor statistics for Bay County

real estate salesEXISTING SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

CONDO - TOWNHOME SALES

Bay County building permits

Bay County sales tax collections

INSIGHTS:Bay EDA Updateby: Becca Hardin, President

Spring is a time of change, transition, renewal. Recently, Florida Secretary of Commerce and President and CEO of Enterprise Florida, Bill Johnson, an-nounced his resignation. That same day, Governor Rick Scott sent a memo to En-terprise Florida board members stating, “…we have no choice but to refocus the efforts and mission of Enterprise Flori-da.”

It’s a difficult time in the economic de-velopment world right now in our state. As you may have heard, the Governor’s request for $250M in support of eco-nomic development project activity was shut down in both the House and Sen-ate. We, as a state, are left to compete internationally for projects with only a basic statutory incentive toolbox. This will not include a Governor’s discretion-ary closing fund.

However, now is not the time to be frus-trated or disheartened. Now more than even we must resolve locally to take charge and push forward. We must not give up on the great opportunities we have before us. As you know, we are in fi-nal discussions with several high profile projects that would forever change Bay County and put hundreds of our citizens to work.

Let’s take this opportunity as a chal-lenge to prove that Bay County is dif-ferent! We must continue to use our assets of the airport, port, educational systems as well as the great work from our CareerSource partners to contin-ue to compete in this world economy. We must be creative in our solutions to meet the client’s needs for growth in our area. We certainly have assets that set us apart. We are special. We will be suc-cessful despite the seemingly dire cir-cumstances amid the winds of change with our state partners.

Let’s work hard to push these active projects over the finish line. We are in-deed open for business. We will continue to work and see businesses grow and be successful in Bay County.

FEB 15

JAN 15

DEC 14


INSIGHTS:Bay EDA Update

Demographic Snapshot

Bay County Population: 181,635Median Age: 40Labor Force: 87,575Average Wage: $34,776

Households: 67,388Household Income: $47,274Per Capita Income: $24,937

PANAMA CITY BEACH MEXICO BEACH PANAMA CITY

FEB 16

FEB 15

% CHANGE

JAN 16

JAN 15

% CHANGE

$-----

$-----

---

$475,467

$446,108

6.58%

$-----

$-----

---

$22,651

$17,982

25.96%

Bay County bed tax collections

January - March 2016

TOTAL PASSENGERS COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS

FEB 16

JAN 16

DEC 15

FEB 16

JAN 16

DEC 15

52,848

45,591

51,471

42,653

40,653

47,554

911

994

1,075

746

844

873

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport passenger traffic

DEC 15

DEC 14

% CHANGE

$354,738

$342,313

3.63%

$15,940

$13,594

17.26%

National, state & local unemployment rate (Jan 1990 to Jan 2016)

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

Florida

US

Bay County

$-----

$78,155

$62,080

$-----

$63,070

$-----

-

-

-

The Bay County Chamber of Commerce Bed Races was held in March at the Annual Board of Directors Block Party. Member businesses raced down 5th Street on a bed they constructed for a chance to win first, sec-ond, or third place prizes. Other prizes were awarded for “Best Bed Design”, “Craziest Bed Design” and “Best Team Spirit”.

1ST PLACE: “Sheets & Giggles” by SAIC2ND PLACE: “Beach Bombs” by Harris3RD PLACE: “The Game of Operation” by Bay Medical Sacred Heart

Harris won best bed design. Best team spirit was awarded to, Goodwill Industries, and best team name went to SAIC. All received special Bay County Chamber Bed Race pillows.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered,donated their time and sponsored this event:

Bay Medical Sacred Heart, Ink Trax, Bay County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Junior Service League, Coca Cola, Spacewalk, Humane Society of Bay County, Southern Sunday, Ameris Bank, Nex Air, Gulf Coast Regional Medical Cen-ter, Maritech Machine, Waste Pro, the Downtown Improvement Board, The Celebration Place, Dave & Busters, Bay County Chamber of Commerce Public Relations Committee & Ambassadors, and Jay Granberg Media, and GORGEOUS (strategic branding + design) for all their support.

1ST PLACE

2ND PLACE

3RD PLACE

BEST TEAM NAME BEST BED DESIGN BEST TEAM SPIRIT

Bay Medical Sacred Heart Named Best Value Hospital

Best Value in Floridafor Quality & Cost

Bay Medical Sacred Heart has been named a Florida Top 10 Best Value Hospital. The Best Value rankings evaluate cost in addition to key quality measures such as mortality

rates, readmission rates and patient satisfaction. Even with good health insurance coverage, these rates can

greatly impact your co-pays, so it is important to look at overall value. For more information and pricing on local

facilities visit www.baymedical.org. These figures were taken from floridahealthfinder.gov.

615 N. Bonita AvenuePanama City, FL 32401(850) 769-1511www.baymedical.org

Bay County Hospital Price Comparisons 2014

FloridaHealthFinder.gov reports hospital price ranges (low to high) for the most common diagnoses and procedures charged at all hospitals in Florida.

The prices below are rounded to the nearest thousand (K).

Procedure Bay Med FL AverageHeart Cath $27K - $40K $36K - $71K

Heart Attack $23K - $40K $27K - $65K

Heart Bypass $91K - $141K $136K - $268K

Heart Failure $14K - $32K $20K - $49K

Stroke $19K - $40K $27K - $65K

Pneumonia $16K - $34K $21K - $51K

Hip Replacement $43K - $55K $57K - $97K

Hysterectomy $23K - $34K $27K - $65K

Lower Is Better!

Bay Medical Sacred Heart Named Best Value Hospital

Best Value in Floridafor Quality & Cost

Bay Medical Sacred Heart has been named a Florida Top 10 Best Value Hospital. The Best Value rankings evaluate cost in addition to key quality measures such as mortality

rates, readmission rates and patient satisfaction. Even with good health insurance coverage, these rates can

greatly impact your co-pays, so it is important to look at overall value. For more information and pricing on local

facilities visit www.baymedical.org. These figures were taken from floridahealthfinder.gov.

615 N. Bonita AvenuePanama City, FL 32401(850) 769-1511www.baymedical.org

Bay County Hospital Price Comparisons 2014

FloridaHealthFinder.gov reports hospital price ranges (low to high) for the most common diagnoses and procedures charged at all hospitals in Florida.

The prices below are rounded to the nearest thousand (K).

Procedure Bay Med FL AverageHeart Cath $27K - $40K $36K - $71K

Heart Attack $23K - $40K $27K - $65K

Heart Bypass $91K - $141K $136K - $268K

Heart Failure $14K - $32K $20K - $49K

Stroke $19K - $40K $27K - $65K

Pneumonia $16K - $34K $21K - $51K

Hip Replacement $43K - $55K $57K - $97K

Hysterectomy $23K - $34K $27K - $65K

Lower Is Better!

It’s beautiful outside. Perfect for a bayfront morning run, or a poolside brunch and mimosas with friends. Maybe some sweet tea on the porch with

neighbors at sunset—sounds like the perfect way to end the day. Welcome to the SweetBay life.

SweetBay is a new master-planned community at the water’s edge in Panama City, Florida. A place to get in touch with nature and

neighbors. There are pathways, waterways, parks and pools to connect the community as well as an award-winning free public

charter school, University Academy. Down the line, a future shopping district is planned to serve as the heart of the community.

The best part? Everything is just a short walk from your front door.

Our bayfront village is intelligently designed to foster a mindful, healthy, and relaxed lifestyle full of natural beauty and wellness.

Won’t you join us?Register online to get all the news and information about new homes in SweetBay. www.sweetbayfl.com

A new-home communityin Panama City, Florida

OPE

NING THIS SUMMER

SBAY 28P-15 Sweet Bay • BayBiz.indd 1 5/7/15 3:35 PM


It’s almost time for graduation, a ma-jor step in the lives of our younger

generation. The time is now to launch that all-important search for a first job, and we’re here to help.

CareerSource Gulf Coast is connected to a powerful, statewide network of workforce professionals who help job seekers prepare for and seize new ca-reer opportunities. Serving Bay, Gulf, and Franklin Counties, our staff has a proven track record connecting pro-spective employees to their next posi-tions.

A key component of our offerings is the Employ Florida Marketplace, a one-stop online resource for job listings, training opportunities, and career building assis-tance. Individuals may search for jobs, as well as research career data and current labor market information. The interactive web-site may be accessed via the internet at www.EmployFlorida.com, and it’s free of charge. You may visit as a guest as many times as you like without reg-istering, but if you intend to use CareerSource Gulf Coast ser-vices, you must register. With registration, you will have access to full job listings/employer information. In addition, you can complete and save your job searches, receive automatic notifi-cations of new job matches, create and upload professional re-sumes and letters, take and save a variety of skill and interest assessments, and maintain records on employers in which you have interest. Here’s how to get started. Visit Employ-Florida.com and click on the text below the login area “Not Registered? Learn How and Why.” Go to “Option 2 – Create a User Account” then click on “Individual.” A step-by-step wizard will take you through the process and even suggest services that might benefit you.

When you have completed the registration process, click “Job Search” to explore the vast database of posted employment op-portunities. Search with keywords, job numbers, geographic location and more. EmployFlorida.com is the host of opportuni-ties in the CareerSource Gulf Coast region and across the state.

Help is always at your fingertips. Within the online tool, the “Assistance Center” contains useful tools to help you find the information you are looking for. Quick reference cards will help you learn how to access the main features in the system. We can also provide face-to-face assistance. If you wish, you may visit the Resource Room at the CareerSource Gulf Coast Job Center, 625 Highway 231, Panama City, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Bay County services are also available at our satellite office in the Student Union on the campus of Gulf Coast State College, where our staff will be happy to assist you from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Additionally, you may visit us in Gulf County at the Port St. Joe Community Resource Center, or in Franklin County at 192 14th St., Apalachicola. To learn more about all of our locations and services, visit CareerSourceGC.com.

EmployFlorida.com: Cutting Through the Job Search Clutterby: Kim Bodine, Executive Director, CareerSource Gulf Coast


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If you are a member of the Bay County Chamber and would like to submit your business news to be published, email a press release, logo or photo to [email protected]

Healthy Start Coalition of Bay, Franklin and Gulf CountiesHealthy Start Coalition of Bay, Frank-lin and Gulf Counties is excited to welcome Shawn Brooking, DNP, CNM, to the Coalition Board of Direc-tors. Healthy Start provides free ser-vices to pregnant women and babies to age three in a statewide effort to improve pregnancy outcomes, reduce infant mortality rates and promote healthy growth and development in all children. Shawn was born outside Chicago and raised primarily in Min-

nesota and North Dakota. She attended California State University in San Ber-nardino and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She was awarded a Naval scholarship her sophomore year of nursing school and was commis-sioned as an officer upon graduation in 1994 and served four years as a Navy nurse at Camp Pendleton, California. She was a labor and delivery nurse for more than a decade before attending graduate school at Frontier Nursing University where she was awarded a Master of Science in Nursing in 2005. She was then certified through the American Midwife Certification Board in 2005. She received her doctorate in nursing from Frontier Nursing Uni-versity in 2014. She is also a member of ACNM, AWHONN and the ANA.

WMBB-TVLongtime local broadcast journalist Tom Lewis is back in the business. WMBB-TV has hired Lewis as the News 13 News Director. It’s his third tour of duty at WMBB. His first job af-ter graduating from FSU was as a new reporter at the station back in 1980. He then moved into advertising sales for several years before moving to South Florida in 1983. Lewis returned to

WMBB in 1989, working as a reporter, producer, and anchor before departing again in 2001. He continued work-ing in the broadcasting field at oth-er local radio and television stations before rejoining News13 in February.

Harrison Sale McCloy Attorneys at LawHarrison Sale McCloy Attorneys at Law Partner, Robert C. Jackson has been

elected to the Business Innovation Cen-ter Board of Directors Northwest Flori-da. The mission of the Business Innova-tion Center is to foster entrepreneurship through a structured model that pro-vides tools and metrics for success to emerging innovation-based enterprises.

Bay County Water Treatment PlantFor the fifth year in a row, the Bay County Water Treatment Plant has

been selected to receive the annual Plant Operations Excellence Award from the Department of Environ-mental Protection (DEP) in recogni-tion of outstanding treatment plant operation, maintenance and compli-ance. Bay County Utilities Director Benjamin Blitch said winning the 2015 Plant Operations Excellence Award is yet another testament to the profes-sionalism and competency of his staff.

BAYSOULTIONSBAYSOLUTIONS announces the re-cent promotion of Senior Associate


Jerry Smithwick to Vice President - Governmental Affairs. Smithwick is an accomplished professional with vast ex-perience in Federal, State and local gov-ernment. Having served fourteen years as the Florida Chief of Staff for Congress-man Allen Boyd, United States House of Representatives, he is thoroughly knowledgeable in legislative process-es and resolution of constituent needs.

Applied Research Associates (ARA)The Telly Awards has named Applied Research Associates (ARA) as a win-ner of two bronze trophies in the 36th Annual Telly Awards. There were near-

ly 12,000 entries from all 50 states and numerous countries. ARA produced a video for the Federal Highway Admin-istration’s (FHWA) Turner Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC) called “The FHWA 2015 Research and Technology Story.” This video highlights research conducted at the TFHRC to improve roads and bridg-es – saving lives, reducing conges-tion and advancing economic growth.

Burg Management Company , Inc.Burg Management Company, Inc. is proud to announce the promotion of Tammy Mallory to Vice President. Mallory will be responsible for helping the company achieve financial goals while increasing operational perfor-mance. Her promotion to senior man-

agement will position the company for continued growth with the expan-sion of new business. Ron Crowson of Burg Management Company has been named a Certified Manager of

Community Associations (CMCA®) by the Community Association Man-agers International Certification Board (CAMICB). The board administers the CMCA examination, a rigorous test that measures knowledge of com-munity management best practices.

Siemens

With the potential to save millions of dollars in utility costs, the Panama City Commission took a step toward hiring a local downtown energy ser-vice company. During the March 8, 2016 Commission meeting, the Pana-ma City Commissioners voted 4-1 au-thorizing City Manager, Jeff Brown to enter into a limited contract with Sie-mens Industry Inc. to pursue funding for energy efficiency projects. Savings would come through various upgrades throughout the city including new LED lighting, implementing a standard en-ergy management system, automating buildings, using water-saving tech-nologies, among many other changes.

Hancock Bank

Hancock Bank, consistently rated as one of the country’s strongest, safest banks, has earned a record 19 nation-al and regional 2015 Greenwich Ex-cellence Awards for small business banking and middle market banking.

The bank has won a total of 80 Green-wich Excellence designations for small business and middle market banking since 2005. Greenwich As-sociates base the awards on inter-views with thousands of executives at companies with revenues between $1 million-$10 million for small busi-

ness banking and $10 million $500 million for middle market banking.

Advent Services

Advent Services, a local Service-Dis-abled Veteran Owned Small Business, was recently awarded a contract by the Gulf Coast Workforce Develop-ment Board for the development and implementation of a process to trans-fer workforce data from three mili-tary installations in Northwest Flori-da (Tyndall Air Force Base, Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field) to the Florida Department of Economic Op-portunity (FL DEO), the state agency that collects, stores, and analyzes labor market information. This is intended to act as a pilot project, with future plans to gather workforce data from all mili-tary installations in the state of Florida.

Bay Medical Sacred HeartThe Board of Trustees of Bay Medical Sacred Heart elected Elizabeth J. Wal-ters to serve as Chairman, and Amer R. Malik, MD, to serve as Vice Chair-

man of the 13-member board. Walters is an attorney and partner in the Pan-ama City firm of Burke, Blue, Hutchi-son, Walters & Smith. She represents clients in all areas of business law and commercial, resort and residential real estate law, from property acquisition,


Have a submissionfor the Biz List?

Please contact Brittany Coleat 850-215-3755.

design, construction to redevelopment and sale of property. She has been with Burke Blue for more than 20 years. Dr. Amer Malik is an internist practicing at Panama Internal Medicine in Lynn Ha-ven. He has been on staff at Bay Medi-cal Sacred Heart since 1999. He has held numerous leadership positions at the hospital including serving as a mem-ber of the Credentials Committee, the Physician Advisory Committee, Criti-cal Care Committee, and the Medical/Nutrition Committee. He has served as Chief of Medicine and on the Medical Executive Committee. He is also for-mer Medical Director of Medical ICU.

Bay Medical Sacred Heart CEO Steve Grubbs and 2015 Chairman of the Hospital Board of Trustees Joey Trantham, MD, welcome car-

diologist Amir Haghighat, MD, as the new President and Chief of Staff and plastic surgeon Phillip Nunnery, MD, as the new President-Elect at BMSH. The board thanks nephrolo-gist Todd Minga, MD, for serving as Chief of Staff for the past two years.

City of Panama CityFor the third year in a row, the City of Panama City is being recognized as a Healthiest Weight Community Cham-pion. Florida Department of Health in Bay County Administrator Doug Kent

presented the award to Panama City Mayor Greg Brudnicki, Human Re-sources and Risk Management Direc-

tor Kim Pilcher and her team during a City Commission meeting. Awards were announced at the end of January. Panama City features 40 parks with ballfields, disc golf, walking trails, etc. Additionally, the city offers healthy vending machines in their facilities to make healthy options more accessible.

The Write PlaceTwo local business women/authors – Beverly Lewis of Beverly Speaks and Pat Sabiston of The Write Place – have been featured in the inspirational an-

thology FROM TEARS TO TRIUMPH: Tales of Transformation Through Je-sus Christ, published by Beauty From Ashes Press. The title contains 24 sto-ries of hope, redemption, and recovery.

Honda of Panama CityAmerican Honda Motor Co., Inc., an-nounced that Honda of Bay County is among the recipients of its presti-gious Honda President’s Award for

2015. This award is presented to an exclusive group of Honda dealer-ships, from among more than 1,000 nationwide, for exceptional perfor-mance in all aspects of operations.

The Shrimp Boat

Great American Hotel Group, Inc. announced that they have assumed the management of The Shrimp Boat Restaurant operations, located at 1201 Beck Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401.Richard (Ricky) Irving has been hired to operate this landmark restaurant complex, featuring The Shrimp Boat Restaurant, Gracie Rae Bar & Grill, Lowe’s House of Bourbon, and The Salty Hawg Oyster Bar Restaurant. Irving is a seasoned restaurant gen-eral manager, most currently em-ployed at Caribbean Jack’s in Daytona Beach, and previously responsible for overall operations at Cracker Barrel, TGI Friday’s, Granite City Food and Brewery and Lonestar Steak House. He is a business management gradu-ate from Syracuse University obtain-ing his master’s in American History from Framingham State University.The Shrimp Boat Restaurant has been a staple seafood restaurant in Panama City. It is located in the historic St An-drews area since it was built in 1950.


Have a submissionfor the Biz List?

Please contact Brittany Coleat 850-215-3755.

Chase S., StudentSport and Fitness Management. Division I Athlete.

© 2016 Troy University

Feel it at troy.edu/spirit or call 1-800-586-9771.

TROY is more than a great education. It’s also screaming fans and the thrill of Division I athletics. We pride ourselves in providing everything

you’re looking for in a college but delivering it on a personal level. Get a big college experience without feeling like a number. That’s

the Trojan Warrior Spirit, and it’s alive and well at Troy University.

N I N E I N N I NGS O F WAR R I O R S P I R I T


It’s not something you think you would see in a prison; Labrador Retrievers and inmates work-ing together towards one goal. I recently had the opportunity to tour the Bay Correctional Facility, which is part of the GEO Group. I was told that I would get the chance to see dogs and I am always excited at the opportunity to interact with an an-imal. Upon arrival, we were served an excellent lunch that was coordinated, prepared, cooked, and served by inmates. This is one of the several programs that the prison provides to help train in-mates for the workforce upon their exit.

Rehabilitation is one of Bay Correctional’s main goals. Their programs include culinary, horticulture, and of course, their Canine program. “The Auburn Dog Program came to Bay Correctional in 2004; It re-ceived its first puppies on March 1, 2005. More than 300 dogs have

come through the program at Bay. Bay Correctional was the first cor-rectional facility to implement the Auburn's program.” says Casey D. Whittington, Canine Program Officer.

When we entered the room where the animals are held, I saw in-mates preparing for their presentation. The dogs with their instructors showed how they can sniff out items to prepare them for finding poten-tial explosives. While these dogs are just in training, their ultimate job is to help keep our nation safe, even when we don’t see them working. “Our canines have guarded our nation’s Presidential inauguration, de-fended our military personnel at home and abroad, and continue in everyday aspects such as riding Amtrak trains. Our canines have been deployed all over the United States with local, state, and federal law en-forcement agencies, and protect our nation from threats both domestic and foreign.” says Whittington.

I noticed that all the dogs in the program are Labrador Retrievers. The reason is the specific traits this breed has. “The Labrador Retriever has many excellent traits essential to a detector dog … people friendly, very quick to learn, loves to work with a handler (from the dog’s view, the

Program at Bay Correctional Facility Trains Dogs to aid in National Securityby: Brittany Cole, Vice President of Communications,Bay County Chamber of Commerce


detection work is play), strong physically and athleticly, very adaptable to new situations, and of course, the olfactory (sense of smell) ability is excellent.” says Whittington. Another reason this breed is used is the dogs appear approachable to the average public which puts people at ease in crowded situations.

The program not only gives these animals purpose, but it also helps the inmates succeed following their release. “In many instances we have found that this program encourages the inmates to complete ed-ucational programs within the facility to acquire their General Edu-cation Diploma in order to enter our Canine Caretaker Course as it is required to enter the program. Auburn University awards Continuing Education Units to the inmates that participate in the one year course which educates the inmates in Grooming, Basic First Aid and CPR, Handling, and Training basics. The inmates learn what being respon-sible is, what it is like to care about something other than themselves in a prison environment. The inmates within the program are more responsible in their behavior, they consider consequences for their ac-tions, and for some of them this may be the first time they have actually done this. The inmates become invested in the health, care, training, and well-being of the canines while they are here, as well as when the canines go forth into bigger and better things.“says Whittington.

Although it may not be a conventional program for a correctional fa-cility to offer, it definitely is paying off for both inmates and dogs alike. The program is helping protect our nation and giving inmates lifelong skills that they will need following their release. A special thanks to Bay Correctional Facility, Auburn University, and the inmates that gave me an inside look.


Erin Wommack is a native of Panama City and graduated cum laude from Florida State Univer-sity. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication. After graduation, Wommack accepted an offer from Simon Property Group and relocated to Longview, Texas, where she was the Leasing Manager of the Longview Mall. Later, she received a promotion to the Dallas Regional Office where she became the Leasing Associate Representative for the Southwest Re-gion. This past summer she was approached by Hendon Properties about a marketing op-portunity at the Panama City Mall. Wommack has served as the Marketing Director since July of last year. Wommack says Hendon Properties has given her the opportunity to be creative in ways that help give back to our local communi-ty. She is happy to be living back home near the world’s most beautiful beaches, doing what she loves most.

Erin Wommack

Many young professionals are enthusiastic about area business and community opportunities and are ready to get involved as new leaders. Bay Young Professionals (BYP) was formed by the Bay County Chamber of Commerce to specifically address the needs of this age group to enrich our community by uniting, developing and retaining our future leaders.

If you are interested in becoming part of the Bay Young Professionals (BYP) group, contact Elizabeth Smith at850-215-3761 or [email protected].

Photos by: Desiree Gardner Photography


NOW SERVICING PANAMA CITY!

423.677.8022Jim Cash, [email protected]

850.457.8494Darrell Jensen, General Manager

[email protected]


For a complete and up to date list of all Chamber activities, includingcommittee meetings,visit our website atwww.PanamaCity.org

May6th First Friday*FSU Panama City HolleyAcademic Center(4750 Collegiate Drive)Networking:7:15 a.m. / Program 8:00 a.m.Sponsored by:United Way of NWFL

10th Volleyball Tournament and Business After HoursSpinnaker Beach Club(8795 Thomas Drive)Tournament:4:30 p.m.Business After Hours:5:30 - 7:30 p.m.Sponsored by:Comcast Cable of Panama City,Spinnaker Beach Club, and Capt. Anderson’s Marina

20th Spring Classic GolfTournamentBay Point Golf Club(4701 Bay Point Rd.)Registration:11:00 a.m.Shotgun Start:12:00 p.m.Sponsored by:TECO, and Bill Cramer Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC, and Geico

Great Golf Ball DropTime:During Spring Classic GolfTournamentSponsored by:Comcast Business

For chance to win tickets callElizabeth at 850.215.3761

June4th First Friday*FSU Panama City HolleyAcademic Center(4750 Collegiate Drive)Networking:7:15 a.m. / Program 8:00 a.m.Sponsored by:Sonny’s Real Pit BBQ

7th Bay Business Connection (BBC) All Groups LuncheonFishale Taphouse and Grill(7715 Front Beach Road)Time:11:00 a.m.

14th Classic Christmas Markets Trip Informational LuncheonBay County Chamber ofCommerce Boardroom(235 West 5th Street)Tournament:12:00 p.m.

Tourism AppreciationMonth Sponsored by:

Tourism Appreciation Month


12-month interest free nancing available with payments as low as $167 (both eyes)


Adam Hood. P.A.626 Magnolia Ave.Panama City, FL 32401(850) 215-9147

Advanced Dermatology &Skin Care10800 PCB ParkwayPanama City Beach, FL 32407(850) 250-5790

Advanced Dermatology &Skin Care2202 State Ave., Ste 102Panama City, FL 32405(850) 250-5790

Affiliated Insurance ServicesPO Box 910Lynn Haven, FL 32444(850) 258-6832

Artery & Vein Specialists of the Emerald Coast492 N. Wilson St.Crestview, FL 32536(850) 294-0336

Baker Metal Works andSupply Inc.1238 Isle BayMemphis, TN(850) 722-6882

Bay Guns & Gear3115 Hwy. 77Panama City, FL 32405(850) 785-4412

BW Daly Contracting LLC3407 N. Harbor CirclePanama City, FL 32405(850) 628-0178

Centennial Roofing1601 Lisenby Ave.Panama City, FL 32405(850) 215-7663

Christie’s ClassroomConnection1507 Tennessee Ave.Lynn Haven, FL 32444(850) 248-1172

Christina M. Durta, CPA2321 E. 3rd St.Panama City, FL 32401(850) 340-0551

Coastal ImpressionsPrint Shak, Inc.7099 W. Hwy 98Panama City Beach, FL 32407(850) 230-0487

Coqui Disposal Services LLC1139 B. N. Tyndall Pkwy.Panama City, FL 32404(850) 257-5939

Custom Granite Kitchens& Baths1210 W. 15th St.Panama City, FL 32401(850) 913-0904

Dr. Fixit Phone Repair15600 PCB ParkwayPanama City Beach, FL 32413(850) 708-4722

Dunkin Donuts22909 PCB ParkwayPanama City Beach, FL 32413(850) 588-6552

Dunkin Donuts1200 W. 23rd. St.Panama City, FL 32405(850) 588-6237

Dunkin Donuts3706 W. Hwy 98Panama City, FL 32401(850) 640-3023

Dunkin Donuts18417 US Hwy 19 NClearwater, FL 33764(850) 481-1392

El Jalisco - Lynn Haven1815 N. Hwy 77Lynn Haven, FL 32444(850) 571-3155

Electric Cart Company9200 PCB ParkwayPanama City Beach, FL 32407(850) 233-0020

Emerald Coast Community Center9721 Thomas Dr.Panama City Beach, FL 32408(850) 234-7978

Emerald Coast RV Center4100 W. 23rd St.Panama City, FL 32405(850) 387-1566

Events by Dallas Gore2814 W. 15th St.Panama City, FL 32401(850) 481-1082

Fairfield Inn & Suites7718 Front Beach Rd.Panama City Beach, FL 32407(850) 234-7422

Family Service Agency ofBay Co.114 E. 9th St.Panama City, FL 32401(850) 785-1721

FHP Tectonics Corp.PO Box 40087Tyndall AFB, FL 32403(850) 375-0672

Finch & Finch Consulting Group752 Harrison Ave.Panama City, FL 32401(850) 747-8144

Flux LabsPO Box 575Panama City, FL 32402(850) 250-5590

Four Winds Grille & Spirits1000 Bay View Dr.Panama City, FL 32401(850) 818-3687

Grass Roots Lawn Care7810 McElvey Rd.Panama City Beach, FL 32408(850) 830-3441

Harts Marine & Outdoor2840 N. Highway 231Panama City, FL 32405(850) 215-4278

Hutt Insurance Agency816 Ohio Ave.Lynn Haven, FL 32444(850) 271-4888

Main Street Antiques535 Harrison Ave.Panama City, FL 32401(850) 640-3390

Musgrove Florist, Inc.2429 Thomas Dr.Panama City Beach, FL 32408(850) 234-7673

New Force Comics andCollectibles2461 nbMLK Blvd.Panama City, FL 32401-5(850) 769-1745

NexAir LLC1117 St. Andrews Blvd.Panama City, FL 32405(850) 872-2305

NuWave Medical Center10800 PCB Parkway, Ste 200 Panama City Beach, FL 32407(850) 249-6363

Obid Allergy Center951 W. 23rd St.Panama City, FL 32405(850) 785-0699

Osaka Hibachi SteakHouse & Sushi15533 PCB ParkwayPanama City Beach, FL 32413(850) 588-8403

Panama City Segway1531 Thurso Rd.Lynn Haven, FL 32444(850) 818-0583

Panama Glass Co.3416 W. Hwy 98Panama City, FL 32401(850) 763-7638

Patty Freund Exit Realty8524 Surf Dr., #BPanama City Beach, FL 32408(850) 832-0216

PTL Cleaning Services1607 Blue Grass LandLynn Haven, FL 32444(404) 989-3225

RD VettingPO Box 15154Panama City, FL 32406(850) 270-6180

Salon 23 West730 W. 23rd St.Panama City, FL 32405(850) 215-3979

Sharp Kitchen401 E 23rd St. Ste GPanama City, FL 32405(850) 640-3620

Shipt17 20th St. NorthBirmingham, AL 35203(205) 502-2500

Southern Light105 Ridge Dr.Headland, AL 36345(334) 618-0081

System Service &Engineers Inc.510 Skyview Dr., Ste APanama City, FL 32408(850) 441-3458

Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe103 W. 23rd St.Panama City, FL 32405(205) 915-8575

Teachable MomentsConsulting Inc.514 David Ave.Panama City, FL 32404(850) 763-5644

The Shipyard Grill5505 Sun Harbor Marina Rd. Panama City, FL 32401(850) 785-0551

The Woman to BlameCoffee Room2216 MLK Jr. Blvd., Unit B Panama City, FL 32405(850) 319-1942

Treasure Island Bingo7924 Front Beach Rd.Panama City Beach, FL 32407(850) 775-1267

Tudor’s Biscuit World2621 W. 23rd St.Panama City, FL 32405(304) 741-7513

Vistage Florida4402 Lafayette St.Marianna, FL 32446(850) 209-4866

5 YearsBayTown Agency - Allstate InsuranceCrush NutritionEC Sleep SolutionsEmerald Coast InsuranceFerrucci RistoranteGoodwill Industries - Big BendGraybar ElectricHumane Society of Bay CountyMichael Reiter, Attorney at LawPregnancy Resource Center of PC

10 YearsBig Brothers Big Sisters of NW Fl.Comfort Inn & SuitesMexico Beach Community DevelopmentOceaneering Umbilical SolutionsPanhandle Beach Rentals LLC

15 YearsPanama City Health Club & Spa

20 YearsAmerican Care SourcePanama City MallSt. Andrew Baptist ChurchTraneWFSU-FM

25 YearsSegers, Sowell, Stewart, Johnson & Brill

30 YearsBay Arts Alliance/Marina Civic CenterBrock Lawn and Pest Control, Inc.Century 21-Commander Realty, Inc.

35 YearsHaney Technical CenterUnited Way of Northwest Florida

40 YearsGulf Coast Regional Medical Center

65 YearsH. G. Harders & Son, Inc.Peoples First Insurance ServicesSunTrust BankThe News HeraldVan Horn Transfer & Storage

Commercial and Residential PropertyValuations

D O N A L D G I L E SM A I , S R A

Cert. Gen. RZ356

122 E 4th St Panama City, Fl, 32401

Phone: 850-769-6593 Fax: 850-872-9160

[email protected]

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City, ST ZIP Code Phone: 555.555.0125

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1. Bay Young Professionals Luncheon with FormerCongressman Steve Southerland2. Junior Leadership Bay exploring Bay County’sEcology3. Roundtable Discussion with Senator Don Gaetz4. Leadership Bay learning about State Government in Tallahassee5. Bay Defense Alliance giving an update at the March First Friday 6. Gulf Coast Lady Commodores honored atFirst Friday for their National Championship Win

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Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or in all GEICO companies. See geico.com for more details. GEICO and Affiliates. Washington DC 20076. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2015. © 2015 GEICO.

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ßJennifer Koppel

850-785-05381314 N. Tyndall Pkwy | Panama City

(Between Transmitter Rd. and Super Wal-Mart)

Just ask us.

235 W. 5TH STREETPANAMA CIT Y, FL 32401

Start by joining us June 23.

What would you do to triple the sizeof your business in 5 years?

A 2015 Dun & Bradstreet analysis shows companies that joined Vistage over the past fi ve years grew at three times the rate of average U.S. companies. How? Synergy. It’s the magic that happens when executives of Florida’s leading companies come together to share ideas, solve problems, and create opportunities. So do what it takes to triple your business. Join us Thursday morning, June 23.

To learn more call Vistage Floridaat 800-733-4832

or visit vistagefl orida.com

Build your brand,your business and your bottom line.

2016 CEO SUMMITThe Power of Web Marketing

Thursday, June 23, 2016Panama City, FL 32401

St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club218 Bunkers Cove Rd.8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Open your eyes to the immense potential of website content and social media marketing. Please RSVP by June 21. Register online www.vistagefl orida.com/special-events.aspx, call 800-733-4832, or email marketing@vistagefl orida.com.

Or contact Vistage Chair and summit host Art Kimbrough directly at (850) 209-4866.

World-renowned writer and speaker, Marcus Sheridan

An Invitation for Panama City AreaCEOs, Presidents & Business Leaders

april-june 2016 bay biz

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