April-June Commemorative Issue of the Bay Biz Magazine

April 2013

8 Military Affairs Committee: History Behind the Organization

10 The Past 100 Years: Bay County Chamber of Commerce History

14 Bay County Also Celebrates Big Anniversary

20 Chamber Accomplishments Over the Years

22 ECONOMIC PROFILE: EDA Insights

24 The Biz List

April - June 2013 | BAY BIZ 3

32

1032 Centennial Celebration Kicked Off at Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony

34 New Members

35 Member Anniversaries

36 CHAMBER EVENTS CALENDAR

38 Workforce Connection

42 the sunshine state celebrates 500 years

45 Out & About

What’s Inside

8

45

4 BAY BIZ | April - June 2013

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Bay Biz Magazinec/o Bay County Chamber of Commerce

235 W. 5th Street – P.O. Box 1850Panama City, FL 32402

[email protected]

Online: www.panamacity.orgfacebook.com/baychamberfltwitter.com/baychamberfl

The Bay Biz is published quarterly by the Bay County Chamber ofCommerce, P.O. Box 1850, Panama City, FL 32402 850.785.5206

POSTMASTER send address changes to Bay County Chamber,P.O. Box 1850, Panama City, FL 32402

The Bay Biz welcomes story ideas from its readers. Each Chamber Member receives one copy.

To request additional copies please or for more info,email [email protected] or call 850.215.3755.

PUBLISHERCarol Roberts

EXECUTIVE EDITORBrittany Cole

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

DESIGNBellhouse Publishing

COVERFirst known photo of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce;

Bay County Chamber Archives

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSBrittany Cole, Bay County Historical Society, Bay County

Chamber Archives, Bay County Public Library, Florida MemoryProject, Viva Florida 500, Tyndall Air Force Base,

Naval Support Activity-Panama City

Carol Roberts

Bill Fenimore

Richard Musgrave

Brittany Cole

Terri Pierce

Pat Holley

Tricia Pearce

Maria Goodwin

Scarlett Phaneuf

Neal Wade

Chelsea Hamati


� The many Hathaway Bridge replacements and projects� Four-laning of Back Beach Road� Completion of Highway 231 four-laning to Dothan, Alabama � Deer Point Dam� Supported the bed tax on Panama City Beach� Served as the economic development organization for the

community and created thousands of jobs through the

recruitment of business and industry (1953-2011) under various

names i.e. Committee of 100, Economic Development Council

and Economic Development Alliance

To date, twelve paid Executives have served the organization,

incuding Bill Broome, Frank Bacen, Jim Cherry, and yours truly.

Although the title has changed over the years for the paid

executive who is responsible for the day-to-day operation, the

most recent change happened in 2005 changing to President/CEO

to better reflect corporate America.

I could go on forever, but I will not steal the thunder of the

other articles in this publication. We hope that you enjoy

reminiscing over this issue as much as we have researching these

stories.

Carol Roberts

President / CEO

e officially kicked off our 100th year

celebration at the Annual Dinner and Awards

Ceremony on January 25th. Speaking to a

packed house of over 500 attendees, Claire

Sherman, Chair of the yearlong celebration, and

Neves Media rocked the house with a video

salute to all of our past chairmen of the board.

In addition, we celebrated our actual birthday

on March 21st with a block party in front of

the Chamber office at 235 W. 5th Street between Oak and Mercer

Avenues. Each decade of the Chamber’s history is being highlighted

at the First Friday meeting throughout the year. The February

event featured the years 1913 to 1923, presenting the program in

an old time radio talk show format complete with a family sitting

around in their living room listening to their Philco radio (not

watching their flat screen TV).

This issue of the Bay Biz is meant to be your commemorative

issue to share with your children and grandchildren, so that one

day, they will have a better understanding of our community and

this organization’s roots. In it you will find the history of the Bay

County Chamber, the Military Affairs Committee, Bay County and

much more. Also inside, there is a centerfold of all those who

have served in the Chair position on our board. Thank you to

Rodney Walker with Applied Research Associates for creating this

iconic piece.

I think it’s important to highlight some of our successes, but

remember we are not trying to take total credit. As in most cases,

it is the efforts of many organizations, individuals and elected

officials that make most of these projects happen:

� Formation of the Bay County Small Business Incubator (now

the Business Innovation Center at FSU- Panama City)� Protection and support of our military bases, Tyndall Air Force

Base and Naval Support Activity Panama City� Relocation of our airport in 2010, now the Northwest Florida

Beaches International Airport

President’s Message

W


This year, we commemoratethe 100th anniversary of theBay County Chamber ofCommerce. Throughout theyear, we will celebrate our pastsuccesses as we chart thecourse for future growth forour Chamber, our communityand our members.

With a pro-business agenda,our focus is to protect the interest and enhance the membershipfor our members. Throughout the year, we work with therepresentatives of federal, state, and local governments, theEconomic Development Alliance of Bay County and the officialsat the military installations to make sure we are doing everythingin our power to grow business, industry and jobs. We recognizethat all of these entities are important to the economic well-being of Bay County, and we especially recognize the importanceof our military partners and their families.

Through our interactions with leaders of business, governmentand military, we look for new ideas for promoting and supportingour members. Advocating for our local businesses is a keycomponent of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce.

We want you to keep informed. Visit our website and view ourquarterly magazine, the Bay Biz, for the latest businessdevelopments and calendar of events. Special thanks to all of ourmembers and committee members for being involved by sharingyour time and talents.

Membership involvement strengthens our ability to enhanceand grow business in Bay County. If you aren’t a member of theBay County Chamber of Commerce, please consider joining. Let’sall work together to make our community a better place to live,work and play for now and future generations.

Sincerely,

Bill Fenimore, Chairman of the Board Bay County Chamber ofCommerce

Message from the Chairman

Congratulations! Bay County Chamber of Commerce

Celebrating 100 Years

Jim Cherry, 1950-2010

Jim Cherry, CCE Bay County Chamber of Commerce

President/CEO1996-2002



Legend of the 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 Affairs 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.

In the hectic post World War II years of 1945 and 1946 when

it was uncertain if Tyndall Field would remain an active military

base, or be closed, members of the then Panama City Chamber of

Commerce realized the need of an all-out effort to work with the

military if we were to have a permanent facility here. The Navy

Base appeared to be more stable as

announcements from the War

Department had already stated it

would become a permanent facility.

It was the uncertainty about

Tyndall that prompted the board of

directors of the Panama City Chamber

of Commerce to organize a committee

to work with the military, both Tyndall

and the Navy Base. On March 15, 1946

the Board of Directors voted in support

of the creation of the Army Navy

Committee what we all now know as

the Military Affairs Committee (MAC).

Cecil Kelley was President of the

Chamber (during this time, the

President position was what we now

know as the Chairman of the Board

volunteer position). The first MAC

Chairman was Mr. J.C. Cogburn.

The committee grew rapidly and

additional responsibilities were given

almost immediately. Just three months

after the committee was formed, an indication of the importance

of such a committee is reflected by this excerpt from the minutes

of a special called meeting of the Chambers board of directors.

“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 efforts will be of untold economic as well as cultural

value. We must therefore recognize the vast responsibilities thrust

on us as well as our good fortune. The first and foremost need is

housing, also sewage system, recreational facilities, schools,

transportation and hospitals . . . The necessary functions of our

Army Navy Committee will be expanded to care for the many

contingencies that will arise.”

Little did we know what the long term effect of the military

would have on our community of which now pumps more than

$1.8 billion in to our local economy and a $58 billion impact in

the State of Florida.

Our two military bases have been threatened with closure or

significant mission change by the federal government in the 40’s,

80’s and 90’s. The Chamber and its MAC played a vital role in

showing a strong community based

relationship, and it made the difference

when decisions were made on which bases

were to close. During the 1993 rounds of

the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC),

the decision was made to give specific

attention to the subject and create a

separate non profit 501(c)6 organization in

1994 with specific emphasis on continuous

monitoring of issues and opportunities

surrounding our bases. The Bay Defense

Alliance was formed in 1994 under the

original leadership of Larry Dantzler as

President, followed by Tom Neubauer who

is still currently serving as President. The

Chamber President, Chairman of the Board

and MAC Chairman all serve on the BDA

as partners, and the group works closely

together toward the goal of keeping and

growing our military presence in Bay

County.

The MAC is a membership supported

effort whereby individuals agree to pay a

pro rata share of events sponsored by the group. The original one

time “activity fee” was $20 and has only increased one time and

that was in 1983 to $50. To date there are 250 members of the

organization. To participate in MAC, an individual must be a member

of the Bay County Chamber. However, in 2009, the Board extended

the invitation to join the MAC to all surrounding counties if the

Little did we know what the long termeffect of the military would have on ourcommunity of which now pumps more

than $ 1.8 billion in to our local economyand a $58 billion impact in the

State of Florida annually.

written by Carol Roberts


individual was a member in good standing of their community

chamber.It has become traditional for the Chamber’s Chairman of

the Board as the last stop in their leadership with the chamber for

them to serve as MAC Chairman.

The MAC continues to host visiting military dignitaries,

receptions honoring arriving and departing leadership at our

military installations, civic leader trips, support for our troops and

working with the Bay Defense Alliance.

Although there are many memorable events and occasionshere are a few that stand out.

Arrival of the F22

Tyndall AFB Gulf Coast Salute Air Show

Navy Base Annual Pig Roast

Commissioning of the USS Momsen

Commissioning of the USS Mesa Verde

Hundreds of civic leader trips worldwide

to visit other military installations

First female member of MAC Fran Exley

(Fran’s Travel) was accepted in 1979

William Tell Air to Air Weapons Meet

Annual Dove shoot at Tyndall AFB

Annual MAC Golf Tournament

Evolution of Chambers

The name “Chamber of Commerce” was first applied to an

association of French merchants at Marseilles early in the fifteenth

century. One of the very oldest in the world and the oldest in

America is the Chamber of Commerce of the State of New York,

founded in 1768. Chambers evolved to promote the growth of the

entire community in the following areas: commercial, industrial and

civic – with emphasis gradually being placed upon the civic.

Panama City Chamber Beginnings

The Gulf Coast Development Company purchased land which

they developed into Panama City in 1906. In late 1908, G. M.

West, president of the company and its chief promoter and several

others pushed for incorporation of Panama City, which finally

occurred on February 23, 1909.

West assembled eight men to promote Panama City. They first

met at the Panama City Clubhouse, the old Elks Club, on February

8, 1913. They drew up the papers to organize a chamber of

commerce. They could not call it Bay County Chamber because

Bay County didn’t exist yet and was still located in Washington

County, so the organization was called the Panama City Chamber.

The charter papers for the Panama City Chamber of Commerce

were filed in Tallahassee and signed by Governor Park Trammel on

February 13, 1913. The papers were recorded with the Secretary of

State on March 21, 1913, which became the official “birth date” for

the new chamber.

The first meeting of the Chamber was held in the clubhouse

on March 27, 1913. The objectives of the Chamber listed in the

original charter were to “preserve and strengthen the free

enterprise system and to optimize the human and natural

resources of the area”. The initial project of the organization was

to create a new county from Washington and Calhoun counties.

This new county would be named Bay County. Legislation creating

Bay County was passed in April and the new County came into

existence on July 1, 1913.

In 1926, the Chamber was given quarters upstairs in the new

city hall on Fourth Street. In that same year, the Chamber

employed its first executive director, Fred Phillips. The Panama City

Chamber became a member of the Florida Chamber in 1926 and

with the United States Chamber in June 1933.

On April 5, 1936, the Chamber’s new and larger quarters on the

first floor, formerly those used by the Mayor and Police

Department, were opened to the public.

Area Medical Care

Prior to World War II, the area saw changes in many other areas.

Daniel M. Adams Jr., whose father had established the area’s first

hospital in 1924, had given Panama City a poor bill of health. He

The Past 100 Years: A Look Backat Chamber History

Bay COunty ChaMBer OF COMMerCe:written by Rich Musgrave, Centennial Committee


said “poor people lived in dumps and paper houses with dirt floors

and no sanitation.” Adams and the Bay County Medical

Association encouraged the formation of a county health

department, which opened in 1939. Its first director noted that

80% of school children who needed health care couldn’t afford

it. Infant mortality was 51.9 per 1,000 births.

Efforts at local health care were boosted in 1944, when the

Federal Works Projects Administration provided a $63,000 health

center. Bay County’s third hospital opened in June 1949 as

Memorial Hospital of Bay County and is currently known as Bay

Medical Center/Sacred Heart.

War and the Military

The Bay County Chamber of Commerce’s second quarter

century began with rumors of armed conflict in Europe. In 1939

we saw the start of what would become World War II. Although

the United States tried to avoid being pulled into the conflict,

Japan had other ideas.

Even before the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Chamber worked

actively to secure military installations in Bay County. In 1941

Chamber membership support was used to attract Tyndall Field,

now known as Tyndall Air Force Base. This was followed by the

Naval Coastal Systems Center and Wainwright Shipyard.

World War II reached into Panama City’s classrooms with

teachers helping to register teenagers for the draft, distributing

ration books and spearheading war bond, paper and scrap metal

drives. Overcrowding and a teacher shortage plagued the county

schools as the growth of Tyndall, the Wainwright Shipyard and

the Naval Base promoted a population boom. School enrollment

grew from the 1930 level of 2,547 to 6,637 in 1943, and jumped

to 7,997 by 1945. Enrollment fell sharply to under 6,000 after

the war, but war babies began attending school and the

enrollment rose back to over 7.000.

The Chamber has led, and continues to lead in garnering

exceptional community support for all Bay County military

installations. This support culminated with a concerted effort to

promote relations between civilians and military personnel through

the creation of the Army Navy Committee (now the Military

Affairs Committee), formed in 1946. This committee has been

singled out as the most successful of its type, and has been used

by other chambers around the nation as a model for creating their

own.

Education in Bay County

In 1957, Panama City students were given a chance for higher

education when Gulf Coast Community College (GCCC) and

Rosenwald Junior College were formed. GCCC classes began with

181 students in classrooms built at the old Wainwright Shipyard.

Rosenwald served as the African American school at the time and

occupied a small building on the campus of Rosenwald High

continued on page 12

First known photo of Bay County Chamber of Commerce

Panama City Beach


School. Gulf Coast moved to its current location in 1960.

Rosenwald was later merged with GCCC in 1966. Gulf Coast

Community College changed its name to Gulf Coast State College

in 2011.

From the early one-room schools until the 1960’s, Panama City

schoolchildren were totally segregated. When the one-room

schoolhouses were built, the terms were shorter than those of

white schools, lasting only three months. Sometimes it took two

or three terms for the African American schools to complete a

grade. In 1964, a lawsuit changed the segregated structure and

forced the school board into allowing black students to enroll in

formerly all-white schools.

Chamber Changes after the War

A complete reorganization of the Chamber was carried out in

1947 with an assistant manager being hired to assume control of

seven specific duties. These included public relations, civic

improvements, retail merchant affairs, military affairs, agriculture,

transportation and advertising. In the 1950’s, the Chamber offices

were moved to a new building at Oak and Jenks Avenue, also

occupied by the Public Library.

A strong interest in the Chamber was the promotion of

industry, and that is still a strong interest today. To further that

goal, the Committee of 100 was created in 1953. This committee

was instrumental in attracting businesses to the area. In the

beginning, principal projects accomplished were: the building of the

American Oil terminal at the end of East Avenue, and was slated

to be a distribution center for asphalt brought in by ocean going

tankers; led the move to reactivate the shirt factory in St. Andrews

which had suspended operations; were projects dealing with the

shipyard with the Cove Contractors coming in and also contracts

for dismantling of several World War II ships.

In 1957, we saw the creation of the First Friday Club, made

possible through the efforts of President Tom Bingham. Lauren

Merriam served as master of ceremonies until his death in 1975. In

1976, the Chamber presented the first Lauren Merriam award to

Gerry Clemons. It has remained the most prestigious award the

Chamber bestows on a member of the community.

continued on from page 11


In 1958, the Chamber relocated to its present offices on 5th

Street.

The Bay County Chamber created the Resort Council of 100

in 1978 for the promotion of tourism. A small building on the Gulf

next to the County Pier and across the street from Miracle Strip

Amusement Park, housed the Resort Council and the Motel and

Restaurant Association. The Motel & Restaurant Association

became the Hospitality Association and then ultimately the bed

tax passed in 1982 creating the Tourist Development Council and

the PC Beach Chamber was formed in 1987.

In 1983, Leadership Bay was created. The program is also

celebrating a milestone this year as it is now 30 years old.

In 1989, we launched the new Chamber logo, “Share the Future”

painted on the water tower as well as the inception of the first

MAC golf tournament. In 1989, the Chamber welcomed Sallie

Mae to the area. Although controversial at the time, in 1994, the

Chamber supported locating the new Bay Correctional Facility in

the Hwy. 231 Industrial Park. It proved to be a wise decision after

100 jobs were created.

In 1993, was the formation of the Base Realignment And

Closure (BRAC) committee to influence the potential impact on

Tyndall AFB and the Naval Coastal Systems Station.

In 1995, Jim Cherry was hired to replace retiring President Frank

Bacen, the first Small Business Committee was created and Trane

came to the area.

The Chamber continues to evolve as conditions require. One

example in 1995 was changing the titles of the key staff positions

from Executive VP to Executive Director, and the head of the

Chamber Board from President to Chairman.

An invaluable resource to any current Board Chair was the

creation of the Past Chairman’s Council in 1997. These past

leaders provide counsel and experience to issues that may arise.

In 1998, the Chamber launched its first website. It also acquired

its first laptop and projector for PowerPoint presentations. The

Chamber worked that year to help the school board pass the 1/2

cent sales tax.

As we entered a new century, and Y2K had little impact, the

Chamber pursued its mission with the continued assistance of its

membership. The Chamber was recognized in 2004 for all its

efforts by being named the Florida Chamber of the Year for the

first time ever and then again in 2010.

As the Chamber begins its second century of service, each

member can make a difference in our community, while

contributing to Bay County being a great place to live, work and

play.


This year marks Bay County’s 100th birthday and we must not

let this historic milestone pass without celebrating the Bay County

of yesterday, today and tomorrow. The Bay County Centennial

Committee, along with the help of volunteers, plans to spend 2013

honoring the rich history of this beautiful place we call home

through various events and activities. An interesting and informative

photo display in the rotunda of the Bay County Government

Center at 840 W. 11th Street in Panama City will cover a different

topic each month. Please stop by to look at these pictures and

learn more about our history. The centennial Website,

www.baycounty100.com, will contain moments in Bay County’s

history, provide information about upcoming events and activities

as they are scheduled and will also have a place to sign up to

volunteer.

Encompassing 758 square miles, Bay County is one of the most

ecologically diverse areas in Florida. St. Andrews Bay, comprised

of 69,000 acres, is the largest body of water in any Northwest

Florida county. Our 27 miles of sugar white sandy beaches along

the Gulf of Mexico bring 8 million visitors to our shores annually.

With 270 square miles of water, Bay County’s pristine lakes, springs,

streams and the magnificent bay provide excellent opportunities

for all types of fishing, water sports and recreational activities.

Located in the heart of Florida’s Great Northwest, Bay County

was created after years of planning and efforts at local and state

levels. A 1913 newspaper article from the “Panama City Pilot”

states that the “Bay portion of Washington County, with its

growing population, was not receiving any benefits from the

money its citizens and businesses were pouring into the county

coffers, and there was a strong push to separate from the northern

part of the county”. Representatives from several towns on the

bay met in Panama City on February 12, 1913 to choose a name

for the proposed

new county. They

chose BAY thinking it would

meet the approval of the majority of citizens and be representative

of the territory it encompassed.

On April 24, 1913, legislators created Bay County primarily from

Washington County, along with small portions of Calhoun and

Walton Counties. About two months later, on July 1st, the act

went into effect and Bay County celebrated becoming Florida’s

49th county. At the time, the four main cities were Panama City,

St. Andrews, Millville and Lynn Haven. On May 7, 1914 voters chose

Panama City as the county seat in a bitterly contested election,

and in 1926, St. Andrews and Millville were absorbed into Panama

City.

County government functioned in temporary offices

throughout Panama City until plans were made for construction

of a courthouse, and the cornerstone was laid in December 1914.

In addition to court rooms and county offices, it also housed the

county jail. The courthouse was the site of the landmark Gideon

case, resulting in the 1963 U.S. Supreme Court decision in the

Gideon vs. Wainwright case. Basically, this ruling helped establish

the Public Defender system that still exists throughout the United

States. Today, the Bay County courthouse is one of the few

remaining original operational courthouses in Florida.

With the arrival of the railroad and construction of streets,

highways and bridges, Bay County became much more accessible

and naturally, growth followed. Opened in May 2010, Bay County

boasts the first international airport built in the United States in

more than a decade. Our local highway network continues to

improve, making us more connected than ever. U.S. Highways 98

and 231, State Roads 20, 22, 77 and 79, and U.S. Interstate 10 are

Bay County Also Celebrates a

BigAnniversarywritten by Terri Pierce


all easily accessible from any point in Bay County. Our port

specializes in break bulk cargo and dry bulk products and has

developed domestic and international trading partnerships. The

Bay Line Railroad continues to play a vital role in our local

economy by providing freight service to major industries and

industrial parks in the area, as well as rail service interconnections

in Dothan and Cottondale.

From saw mills, paper mills, shipbuilding and military bases to

present day business, education, culture and tourism, Bay County

has much to offer and will continue to grow and to prosper. There

are many fascinating stories to be told about Bay County’s past,

present and future and that is the goal of the Bay County

Centennial Committee during this milestone year.

Let there be no doubt, Bay County truly has a proud past and

a bright future!


Old Hathaway Bridge


Providing jobs and business in Bay County for over 82 years

www.rocktenn.com


100th BIRTHDAY

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1913 The Panama City Chamber of Commerce is founded. TheChamber assists in creating Bay County from areas of Washingtonand Calhoun Counties.

1914 The Chamber along with Panama City Mayor J.H. Drummondsupports the construction of the St. Andrews Bay RailroadTerminal.

1932 Chamber *President Jesse Cogburn pushes for the openingof the East Pass.

1939 Senator Claude Pepper and Congressman Bob Sikes workwith Chamber *President Jesse Cogburn to secure the 25,517 acrepeninsula for the location of a flexible gunnery school/TyndallField (Now known as Tyndall Air Force Base).

1946

Tyndall gunnery school almost closes and the Chamber createsa committee to keep the base open. It was first known as the“Army-Navy Committee” and would later be named the “MilitaryAffairs Committee”.

1953

“Committee of 100”, the economic development arm of theChamber, is founded and helps build the American Oil terminal atthe end of East Avenue. The Committee of 100 would later be re-named Economic Development Council, then Bay CountyChamber Economic Development Alliance.

1956 “First Friday” is created by Chamber *President Tom Bingham.Lauren Merriam serves as master of ceremonies until his death in1975.

1975 Chamber becomes first Chamber in Northwest Floridaaccredited by the National Chamber

1976 The Chamber presents its first Lauren Merriam award toGerry Clemons. It still remains as the most prestigious award theChamber bestows upon members of the community

1977 The Chamber’s Committee of 100 presents a layout for thenew Airport Industrial Park (Hugh Nelson Park) to the AirportAuthority. The Airport Authority adopts the plan. Current President / CEO, Carol Roberts, is hired at the Chamberas its receptionist.

1978 Chamber creates the Resort Council to better serve thetourism industry and related businesses in the area.

1979 Committee of 100 welcomes Berg Pipe, Parthenon Prints,and other major employers of Bay County. Changes name to Bay County Chamber.

1983 Delphi Study begins and Chamber takes a more active rolein growth management and economic development. Leadership Bay is created.

1986 Chamber *President-Elect Ted Haney secures the firmLaymon Gray to direct and write the Delphi report.

1987 Chamber creates steering committees to tackle Delphiresults including Growth Planning, Education, and Transportation.

1988 Florida Public Relations Association creates the “Share theFuture” logo for the Chamber and the “Share the Future” campaignbegins. The campaign would go on to help create hundreds of jobsand bring new industries to the area. The campaign raises over 1.28million dollars for Bay County.

1989 First Military Affairs Golf Tournament is held. “Share theFuture” logo is painted on the Bay County water tower.

1992 Chamber changes dues structure to a tiered system wheredues are charged by company size versus individuals and flat rates.

1991 Chamber helps prevent Base Realignment and Closure(BRAC) process from closing the Navy Base.

1994 BRAC Committee of the chamber is incorporated as aseparate entity and receives a state grant. Leadership Bay Class forms an Alumni Association.

1995 Chamber and the Economic Development Council (EDC) andthe City of Lynn Haven succeed in recruiting Trane to the area.

1997 MAC Russian Exchange Program is created. MAC memberhouse Russian military officials in their homes for an evening.

1998 Chamber helps pass 1/2 cent sales tax for the Bay CountySchool Board. Raises additional 9.4 million dollars each year.

1999 Merrick and Trane expand in the area.

2000 First Junior Leadership Bay Class is created as a LeadershipBay project.

2001 First Junior Leadership Bay class is formed. Leadership Bayraises money and erects 9/11 memorial at the Panama City Marina.

Chamber Accomplishments and Events Over

the Past 100 Years(Note: Reference to “Chamber President was then the top volunteer position)


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Celebrating the Chamber’s 100th Year

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2002 Chamber supports construction of a new airport on St. Joeproperty. Carol Roberts is selected as Executive Director of theChamber.

2004 Chamber receives Florida Association of ChamberProfessionals “Chamber of the Year” award.

2005 Leadership Bay creates “Bay Young Professionals”, a programaimed at growing young leaders in Bay County. Title of “ExecutiveDirector” at the Chamber is changed to President/CEO.

2008 Outsstanding Community Award for our marketing brochure

2009 Carol Roberts is selected by the Florida Association ofChamber Professionals as the “Chamber Professional of the Year”.Outstanding Community Award for Newsletter.

2010 Chamber receives Florida Association of ChamberProfessionals as the “Chamber of the Year” award.

2011 Outstanding Community Award for marketing brochure

2012 Economic Development Alliance of Bay County is formed,creating a separate economic development organization.Leadership Bay raises money and erects Law EnforcementMemorial at the Bay County Government Complex on 11th Street.

2013 Chamber celebrates 100 years.


economic profile

by Neal Wade

Executive Director, Economic

Development Alliance of Bay County

1913- It is hard to believe a century has

passed. In 1913, the value of world

trade reached $38 billion, stainless steel

was invented, Henry Ford instituted the

moving assembly line for the Model T

and the 16th Amendment authorizing

the national income tax was passed.

And, the Bay County Chamber of

Commerce was formed, providing an

opportunity for area business and

industry to work together for the

betterment of the region.

InSIGhtSinside Bay County’s

Economic Development

Efforts

Bay County Population: 168,852 Median Age: 40Labor Force: 89,030 Average Wage: $32,626Households: 74,585 Household Income: $47,505Per Capita Income: $29,357

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BAY COUNTY FLORIDA

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bay county sales tax collections GROSS SALES TAXABLE SALES TAX COLLECTIONS Feb 13 Jan 13 $548,627,922 $236,110,251 $14,155,218 Dec 12 $398,686,035 $202,579,145 $12,563,491

Feb 12 $399,418,978 $183,257,813 $11,672,724 Jan 12 $621,620,317 $231,105,605 $13,534,815 Dec 11 $373,769,027 $192,824,354 $12,280,122

current labor statistics for bay county LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED UNEMPLOYED UNEMPLOYED RATE

Feb 13 Jan 13 Dec 12 87,591 80,172 7,419 8.5% Feb 12 90,019 81,752 8,267 9.2% Jan 12 89,062 80,074 8,988 10.1% Dec 11 89,610 80,490 9,120 10.2%

real estate salesEXISTING SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

REALTOR SALES MEDIAN PRICE REALTOR SALES MEDIUM PRICE

Feb 13 Jan 13 139 $145,000 13,679 $145,000 Dec 12 207 $147,308 18,031 $154,000 Feb 12 119 $125,000 14,270 $134,000 Jan 12 112 $129,250 12,044 $129,000 Dec 11 147 $131,150 15,576 $135,000

EXISTING CONDOMINIUMS

Feb 13 Jan 13 72 $173,200 6,670 $112,000 Dec 12 99 $204,500 8,470 $117,500 Feb 12 79 $160,000 7,848 $95,000 Jan 12 70 $182,450 6,539 $95,000 Dec 11 77 $200,000 7,801 $93,000

bay county building permits RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL Feb 13 22 2 Jan 13 26 2 Dec 12 29 3

Feb 12 15 5 Jan 12 21 2 Dec 11 17 4

bay county population - 100 years of growthYEAR POPULATION

1900 NA1910 NA1920 11,4071930 12,0911940 206861950 42,6891960 67,1311970 75,2831980 97,7401990 126,9942000 148,2172010 168,8522012 171,291

bay county industry - now and then

EARLY 1900S

FishingForestry/SawmillPaper millShipping/Logistics

NOW 2013TourismMilitary/DefenseHealth CareManufacturing TechnologyConstruction

So much has changed during those

ensuing years to make this county one

of America’s most promising locations

to live, work and play. As a history

major, I understand the value of history

is to learn from both the successes and

failures of the past. We certainly can’t

project what Bay County will look like

in another hundred years but we can

certainly focus on what we want to

happen over the next 5 to 10 years.

As we celebrate the very strong and

vibrant tourism economy and its impact

throughout the region, history has

taught us that a diverse economy is the

best way to truly grow a wide range of

quality jobs. This is the key to retaining

our homegrown talent and providing the

lifeblood for so many burgeoning

technology, manufacturing, logistics,

defense and aerospace companies.

Through business partnerships with the

Chamber and other like-minded

organizations, Bay County is on the cusp

of dramatic growth. What a wonderful

way to begin the next one hundred

years.

April - mAy 2013

bay county bed tax collections PANAMA CITY BEACH MEXICO BEACH Feb 13 Feb 12 $519,119.98 $19,351.98 % Change

Jan 13 $361,858.27 $15,939.61 Jan 12 $368,845.24 $15,319.50 % Change -1.89% 4.05%

Dec 12 $351,254.45 $10,480.69 Dec 11 $275,003.67 $10,381.90 % Change 28% .95%

northwest florida beaches international airport passenger traffic TOTAL PASSENGERS COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS Feb 13 Jan 13 42,640 920 Dec 12 49,622 871

Feb 12 55,732 1,105 Jan 12 49,909 1,170 Dec 11 59,912 1,148

2013 florida defense facts - military impact 2013 BAY COUNTY FLORIDA Economic Impact $2.6 Billion $73.4 Billion Employment 27,338 Jobs 758,112 Jobs Capital Investment $215 Million $5.1 Billion Sales Activity $2.1 Billion $79.0 Billion Defense Spending $1.2 Billion $31.3 Billion

2011 BAY COUNTY FLORIDA Economic Impact $1.8 Billion $58.1 Billion Employment 22,493 Jobs 686,181 Jobs Capital Investment $260.6 Million $6.7 Billion Sales Activity $1.6 Billion $63.8 Billion Defense Spending $1.1 Billion $30 Billion

national, state & local unemployment rate - January 1990 -January 2013

Biz lisTThe

If you are a member of the Bay County Chamberand would like to submit your business news tobe published, email a press release and logo orphoto to [email protected].

CHAMBER MEMBERS SHARE THEIR BUSINESS NEWS

Legendary Marine wasawarded “Dealer of the Year” byBoating Industry Magazine aspart of its annual “Top 100”awards program held in Or-lando. The award is the mostprestigious recognition in NorthAmerica for marine retailers. Itis presented annually to onlyone dealer at an exclusive gath-ering of the marine industryelite.

Conoley joins Gulf PowerCompany economic develop-ment team. Jennifer Conoleywith the Economic Develop-ment Alliance of Bay Countyhas taken a job with Gulf PowerCompany as an economic de-velopment representative forthe Bay County region. In hernew role she will work withlocal, regional and state eco-nomic development organiza-tions to focus on recruiting newbusinesses to the region as wellas help existing businesses besuccessful. Conoley serves asa board member with theFlorida Public Relations Associ-

ation of Northwest Florida andis involved in several other com-munity organizations. She grad-uated summa cum laude with abachelor’s degree in Communi-cations with an emphasis in pub-lic relations from Florida StateUniversity.

Suite Hospitality recentlyannounced Sam Haddad asGeneral Manager of the SleepInn and Suites Panama CityBeach. For nearly ten years,Haddad served as the Rooms Di-vision Director for By the SeaResorts; but most recently, hewas the Front Office Managerof a full service 440 room Ra-mada hotel in the Orlando area.Haddad is a long time residentof Panama City. He holds B.A.degree in English Studies.

Popular Science Magazinerecognizes Applied ResearchAssociate’s October 29th Read-iJet 100% biofuels flight as oneof 2012's 25 most importantscientific events. The flight wasthe first time in history that acivilian jet was powered by

100% renewable biofuel. ARA,an engineering and science firmwith offices in downtownPanama City, partnered withChevron Lummus Global (CLG)last year on the Biofuels ISO-CONVERSION process, aprocess that utilizes ARA’s andCLG’s combined technologies.ARA’s part of the process, Cat-alytic Hydrothermolysis, was in-vented by scientists in the ARAPanama City office. To producethe ReadiJet® fuel for the his-toric flight, ARA’s staff con-verted 1200 gallons of Carinataoil into crude oil utilizing their125 gallon per day pilot systemin downtown Panama City. Thecrude was subsequently hy-drotreated and fractionated atChevron’s Richmond, Californiarefinery into the finished fuels.

Rep. Steve Southerland, IIwas elected by the members ofthe Republican Class of 2010 toserve as sophomore class repre-sentative to the House Repub-lican leadership. Southerlandwill occupy an important seatat the leadership table, helpingshape the party’s agenda andacting as a conduit betweenleadership and the historicsophomore class. Southerlandis the first member of Congresselected to the newly-createdsophomore class representativerole.

Rep. Southerland was alsoappointed vice chairman of theSubcommittee on Coast Guardand Maritime Transportation byHouse Transportation and Infra-structure Committee ChairmanBill Shuster. Southerland’s newrole will enhance his leadershipfor Florida on Coast Guard,ports, and maritime issues inCongress.

Harrison Sale McCloy isproud to announce thatNicholas A. Beninate has beenpromoted to Partner in the Firmafter practicing as an associatesince 2006. Beninate’s experi-ence in transportation and envi-ronmental matters, as well ascreditor’s rights in bankruptcyare invaluable to the Firm and itsclients. He currently devotes asignificant portion of his practiceto representing the PanamaCity-Bay County Airport and In-dustrial District and serves asgeneral counsel for the North-west Florida Transportation Cor-ridor Authority.


Correction Corporation ofAmerica is celebrating 30 yearsof providing meaningful correc-tional services to government.Their anniversary theme is“Thankful at 30: Our People,Our Partnerships”, and they sayit reflects the gratitude theyfeel towards their dedicatedemployees, their governmentand local community leaders.

The Rotary Club of PanamaCity, aka Downtown Rotary,awarded $7000 to ten commu-nity agencies Tuesday, January29, at its weekly meeting heldat St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club.Recipients included JuniorAchievement; Tom P. Haney Ed-ucation Foundation; Gulf CoastState College Foundation;Covenant Hospice; New Hori-zons Learning Center; SalvationArmy Domestic Violence Shel-ter Program (Panama City); GirlsInc. of Bay County; Gulf CoastState College Department ofContinuing Education; Bay Edu-cation Foundation; and theUnited Way of NorthwestFlorida.

Junior Achievement ofNorthwest Florida and its Boardof Directors would like to thankMr. Justin Hall for his manyyears of dedicated service asboth a classroom volunteer andBoard Member. Mr. Hall servedas the President of the Board ofDirectors for one and a halfterms and has been a memberof the Board for four years.

Dementia Care Specialistsrecognized Provision Living asthe first care facility in Floridato achieve the status of Distin-guished Provider- the highestcredential in dementia care. ADistinguished Provider demon-strates commitment to high-q u a l ity , p er s o n - ce ntere ddementia care.

Dawn Fleming, Florida’s firstNational Marketing Directorwith Nerium International, isfeatured in the April 2013 issueof Success From Home maga-zine. Dawn recently attended aNerium International Summit inDallas, TX at which the 17month old company released2012 revenues, which exceeded$100 million in sales.

Lifeguard Ambulance Serv-ice was recently accredited byCommission on Accreditation orAmbulance Services. Lifeguardsays they are excited aboutwhat this means to the commu-nity and they say they are com-mitted to partnering with otherpublic safety agencies to fur-ther improve healthcare in BayCounty.

Trane Celebrates 100 Yearsof Customer-Driven Innovation.Trane was founded as a familybusiness in 1913 by James Traneand his son, Reuben. Milestoneinventions included the convec-tor radiator in 1925 and the pio-neering Turbovac in 1939. Today,Trane has grown to become aglobal leader recognized world-wide as an innovator in theheating, ventilation and air con-ditioning (HVAC) industry. Traneexpanded operations to BayCounty, Florida in 1996, em-ploying approximately 100 asso-ciates under 100,000 squarefeet of roof. Today, the LynnHaven facility is approximately350,000 square feet under roofwith 3 manufacturing lines andemploys more than 600 dedi-cated and talented associatesproducing both residential andcommercial heating and air con-ditioning units. While residing inBay County, the Trane manufac-turing facility has been ownedby American Standard and waspurchased by Ingersoll Rand in2008. Trane is proud to be aBay County Chamber memberand an active business in thecommunity.

Innovations Federal CreditUnion has announced that Pres-ident / CEO, David Southall, isan honorary member of the In-ternational Executive VolunteerCorps (IEVC) of the WorldCouncil of Credit Unions(WOCCU). The selection crite-rion for this distinction is tohave demonstrated in the previ-ous two years a commitmentto furthering World Council’sefforts in international creditunion development. These ef-forts include his invaluable ex-pertise and volunteer workthrough the League of South-eastern Credit Union’s partner-ship with FEDEAC in Costa Rica,hosting numerous delegationsfrom World Council and over-seas in exchanges that haveproduced positive results on thevisiting credit unions.

Summit Bank NA has namedClint Mizell Vice President andCommercial Relationship Man-ager of its Panama City, Fl., op-erations. Mizell’s previousresponsibilities with another re-gional banking institution fo-cused on a philosophy ofbuilding beneficial relationshipsbetween business owner, expe-rienced banker and a solid bank-ing institution.


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list of past chairmen1913-1923: R.L. (Robert) McKenzie

1924: Colonel Henry Page (not pictured)

1925: W.C. Sherman

1926-1927: Sam Brown

1928-1929: W.F. Look

1930-1931: Will D. Muse

1932-1933: Jesse Cogburn

1934: J.R. Asbell

1935: A.R. Rogers

1936-1937: J.A. Smith

1938: B.S. Gordon (pictured earlier)

1939: S.A. (Sidney) Daffin, Jr.

1940: Braden Ball

1941: A.M. (Albert) Lewis, Sr.

1942: B.S. Gordon

1943: George Logue, Sr.

1944: M.G. “Bubber” Nelson (Marion)

1945: J.R. Asbell

1946: Cecil Kelley

1947: A.N. Smith

1948: Don Fay

1949: W.A. Guy

1950: W.C. Sherman (pictured earlier)

1951: Harvey Mathis, Sr.

1952: S.A. Daffin, Jr. (pictured earlier)

1953: Brown Howell

1954: John Christo, Jr.

1955: Isaac Byrd

1956: T.Y. “Tom” Bingham

1957: T.W. Smith, Sr. (T. Woody)

1958: John Henry Sherman, Sr.

1959: L.E. Merriam, Jr. (Lauren)

1960: Alton Boyd

1961: Rowe Sudduth

1962: L.D. Lewis, Sr.

1963: Dick Arnold

1964: Hugh Nelson

1965: Woodrow Wilson

1966: D.P. Clark

1967: H.M. (Mack) Lewis

1968: Jack Blackwell

1969: Frank M. Parker

1970: D.R. (Dee) Hinton, Jr.

1971-1972: Deck Hull

1973: Girard L. (Gerry) Clemons

1974: Johnny Patronis

1975: C.L. (Les) Jinks

1976: Tommy Cooley“By being an active member of the Chamber of Commerce you getinside knowledge of the working of the county, all phases ofgovernment, development, education, military, etc. You have anopportunity to be involved in all phases of activities, doing yourpart as a ‘Good Chamber Member,’ your participation gives you thefeeling of being responsible.”

1977: Rayford Lloyd

1978: Abbott Brown

1979: Fred Lindholm

1980: Donald Crisp

1981:Travis Crosby

1982: Gene Crist

1983: Larry Tyree

1984: Pedro Mandoki

1985: Gary Muller

1986: Scott Fischer

1987: Ted Haney

1988: Charles Jordan

1989-1990: John Robbins

1991: Jim McIntyre

1992: Robert “Bob” McSpadden

1993: Larry Dantzler

1994: Anne Hull Dick

“The goals of our Chamber of Commerce in 1994 were not that

much different than they will be in 2013: to help make Bay County

a better place to live, work and play. Economic development was

our “Priority One,” as we continued to recruit new industry to our

area and to help existing businesses expand.”

1995: Vic Jones

1996: Jerry Smithwick

1997: Thomas Neubauer

1998: Raymond Powell

1999: Franklin Harrison

2000: Joe Tannehill, Sr.

2001: Hugh Roche

“2001 was a wonderful year for me in many ways. I was honored

to serve as Chairman of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce

and was rewarded with the opportunity to work with many

dedicated Business, Military, and Government leaders to help build

this wonderful area that we call our home. We had a great board

of directors and committee chairmen that spent many volunteer

hours working to build a better Panama City/Bay County.”


2002: Karen Hanes

2003: Joey Ginn

2004: Scott Clemons

“After returning from law school in 1986, I attended my first

First Friday and I have been hooked on the Bay County Chamber

ever since. Through the years, my membership has given me a

unique opportunity to work with Bay County’s best and

brightest business leaders. From this, I have learned valuable

lessons that have helped me succeed in business and have

forged friendships that will last a lifetime. The Bay County

Chamber constitutes the single greatest catalyst for positive

change in our community.”

2005: Elizabeth Walters

“Chamber involvement provided an understanding of our local

businesses. Most importantly, the greatest reward of my

Chamber experiences was and continues to be the professional

relationships and personal friendships made. It has been

important to me to have the opportunity to give to my

community by being involved in the Chamber.”

2006: Glen McDonald

“The most significant highlight was getting to work with a very

intelligent, committed and hardworking executive team including

Lisa Walters (MAC Chairperson and Immediate Past Chairperson)

and Steve Southerland (our current Congressman). Their ideas

and leadership taught me a great deal.”

2007: Steve Southerland

2008: Andy Phillips

2009: Sean McNeil

2010: David Powell

“Through the Chamber, I’ve been able to learn a lot about Bay

County through programs like Leadership Bay, and a lot about

other parts of the country through civic leader tours with the

Air Force and Navy….Overall, the Chamber has allowed me to

have fun opportunities and meet a lot of people to do business

with, but most importantly it has helped me make some great

friends along the way.”

2011: Bo Rivard

2012: Al McCambry

2013: Bill Fenimore

DaVita Dialysis, enjoy a vacation here in Panama City.

Our Dialysis Center can keep you locally OR on the beach. While here, the only worry you will have is how to spend

your free time. Appointments available to meet your needs. Flexible Vistation Policy.

Visit us at any one of our

locations or at www.DaVita.com

Panama City 615 Highway 231

763-1233

510 North McArthur Avenue 914-0824

Panama City Beach

16201 Panama City Beach Parkway 233-0837


Shining a spotlight on the past year’s accomplishments, the Bay

County Chamber of Commerce celebrated its Annual Dinner and

Awards Ceremony on Friday, January 25, at the Edgewater Beach

and Golf Resort. As is standard for the dinner, it was a time to cel-

ebrate the past year successes while welcoming those who are

taking the torch of leadership into the upcoming year. However,

this year was unique, because it began a yearlong celebration of

the Chamber’s 100 year anniversary.

During the decade that saw the Titanic sink, World War I fought,

and Einstein’s Theory of Relativity presented, Bay County was

formed and the Chamber was a major part of those beginning

steps. The charter papers for the Chamber were officially filed on

March 21, 1913. This year’s Annual Dinner took time to look at the

Chamber’s first 100 years through a video highlighting key points

in that history. As attendees arrived, they were surrounded with

Tiffany blue and sparkling ‘diamonds’ draping each table and around

the room.

Of course, the 100 year anniversary could not be kicked off

without first recognizing how the Chamber arrived at this mile-

stone. Over the course of the evening, the many community lead-

ers who have served as board chairs over that time were recognized

Celebrates the Past

successes and Looks

towards the Future

and the 2012 Chairman of the Board, Al McCambry, passed the

gavel to our 2013 Chairman, Bill Fenimore, of NAI Halford. “I am

looking forward to being the new Chairman and hope to uphold

the standards that the previous Chairmen have set forth. The

Chamber staff is to be commended for making this event such a

huge success,” said Fenimore.

Celebrating McCambry’s term as chairman we took a look back

at the continued efforts to support our local military installations,

advocate for the business community through our legislative

agenda, partner with local community leaders for the betterment

of the tourism and manufacturing industries and promote economic

growth. “It has indeed been an honor serving as your Chairman for

2012. As we reflect on the past 100 years, let us remember both

the successes and failures of the past that have led us to this point

and place in time, and realize that those past experiences are what

Al McCambry and Bill Fenimore

written by Tricia Pearce

&ANNUAL DINNER AWARDS CEREMONY


have made this Chamber the great partner to Bay County that it

is today.” said McCambry.

Each year at the dinner, the Chamber recognizes some of those

who have shown their dedication to making our community a better

place. This year, the awards portion of the night began when Mc-

Cambry recognized the Military Affairs Committee Chairman, David

Powell, for two years of service to the Committee. Powell also

took home the 2012 Member of the Year award for his outstanding

service to the Bay County Chamber of Commerce and its members.

“I have truly enjoyed being involved with the Chamber, and it’s an

honor to be chosen as Member of the Year,” said Powell. This is

Powell’s second time receiving this top honor for his dedication to

the organization throughout the year and the award left him

speechless, much to the amusement of the crowd.

Everyone knew the last award of the night was going to be spe-

cial when they saw Gerry Clemons step up to the microphone.

Clemons presented the Lauren Merriam Memorial Award to long

time community supporter and old friend, Julian Bennett. The

award is the Chamber’s highest honor and was presented to Ben-

nett for his commitment to the community’s well-being, as exem-

plified by involvement in civic, charitable and other endeavors

contributing to the betterment of Bay County and the benefit of

its citizens. “The luck that brings me here is the great, great support

of my family,” said Bennett.

While not everyone who contributed to the Chamber over the

past year could be recognized individually at the dinner, everyone

in attendance left feeling that they had been a part of something

very special and looking forward to the upcoming events celebrat-

ing our 100 year anniversary. The community is invited to join us

as the organization takes a look back and celebrates its past.

Julian Bennett was awarded the Lauren Merriam Memorial Award Member of the year David Powell


newf o r n o v e m b e r - F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 3

{American Roofing Company(850) 873-64302011 Lisenby AvePanama City,FL32405

Bacot Academy(850) [email protected] W. 23rd St.Panama City,FL32405

Bay Clinic of Chiropratic(850) 785-9372(850) [email protected] Box 15082Panama City,FL32406

Blossoms(850) [email protected] MainSt.Chipley,FL32428

Bond & Associates, Inc(850) 747-1187(850) [email protected] N Tyndall Pkwy, Ste. APanama City,FL32404

Cartridge World(850) 257-5148(850) [email protected]

622 W.23rd St.Panama City,FL32405

Complete Signs(334) [email protected] Box 8861Dothan,AL36304

Desiree' Gardner Photography(850) [email protected] Tyndall Dr.Panama City,FL32401

Dunkin Donuts(850) [email protected] S. Hwy 77Lynn Haven,FL32444

First International Title(850) 249-4522(850) [email protected] Richard Jackson Blvd., StePanama City Beach,FL32407

French & French(850) 271-3272(850) 265-1255information@frenchandfrench105 Peachtree Dr.Lynn Haven,FL32444

General Dynamics InformationTechnology(850) 235-2424(850) [email protected] Gwyn Dr.Panama City Beach,FL32408-5827

Gentiva Home Health(850) 769-3398(850) [email protected] N. Highway 77Panama City,FL32405

Gravestone Cleaning Service(850) [email protected] Wedgewood CircleYoungstown,FL32466

Hertz Local Edition(850) 913-9112(850) [email protected] W. 15th StPanama City,FL32401

Island Air Express(850) 814-6407(850) [email protected] S. Tyndall Parkway #247Panama City,FL32404

Jay Granberg Media(850) [email protected] E. 15th St., Unit 518Panama City,FL32404

JRA Architects, Inc.(850) 236-9832(850) [email protected] Thomas Dr.Panama City Beach,FL32408

MDSI(850) [email protected] Molitor Ave.Panama City,FL32401

Panama City Kiwanis Club(850) [email protected] Box 796Panama City,FL32402

Premium Outdoor Signs(850) 890-0989(850) 784-1229stephen@premiumoutdoorsig3001 S. Hwy 77Lynn Haven,FL32444

Phoenix Performance Fitness(850) [email protected] W. 15th St.Panama City,FL32401

St. Andrew Bay Center(850) 265-2951(850) [email protected] Carolina Ave.Lynn Haven,FL32444

Steyr Motors(850) 784-7933(850) [email protected] Lisenby Ave. #12Panama City,FL32405

Sunbelt Rentals Inc.(850) 872-9226(850) 691-07091046 W. 23rd St.Panama City,FL32405

Ralph Stewart(850) [email protected] Preserve Bay Blvd.Panama City Beach,FL32408

Ronik Films and Media Group(561) [email protected] De Len Dr.Panama City,FL32404

Wal-Mart #3075(850) 691-0716(850) [email protected] W. 23rd St.Panama City,FL32405

Members.


Recognizing renewing members for their dedication at 5 year intervals

for November - February 2013Memberanniversaries5 YearsAlexan Laguna Beach ApartmentsCathey Construction & DevelopmentChautauqua Services Inc.Holiday Golf ClubRaymond James FinancialRed Roof InnSummit Bank

10 YearsAffordable Body ShopPublix Super Markets, Inc #823The Bagel Maker

15 YearsAdams PharmacyBays Medical SocietyEmerald Shores Health & RehabilitationFlorida Therapy ServicesGuettler & Guettler Inc.

20 YearsAdvanced Eye Care of Bay County, P.A.Best Western SuitesCooper's Drugs, Inc.The Olive Garden

25 YearsBurger King GoldcoColdwell Banker Carroll Realty Inc.First National Bank Northwest FL.Fisher Brown Bottrell InsuranceGiles Appraisal Group Inc.Mayer ElectricRed LobsterSSA MarineThe Natural Light, Inc.

30 YearsCoral- 35 YearsDiver's Den

40 YearsCooley Management LLC

50 YearsShipwreck Island Waterpark

Anderson Columbia Company, Inc.Joined:8/1/1951AT&T11/1/1951Barron & Redding, P.A.6/1/1957Boyd Brothers11/1/1951Brown & Brown Insurance11/1/1951Buffalo Rock Company/Pepsi Cola8/1/1951Capt. Anderson's Sightseeing5/1/1963Captain Anderson's Restaurant6/1/1959

We are grateful to everyone who has been a member of theChamber and has supported us in these last 100 years. A special thank you to all of the following businesses who have been with us for fifty or more years:

Culligan Water Services8/1/1960Engineering & Equipment6/1/1957GAC Contractors, Inc.7/1/1959Gulf Power Company12/1/1951H. G. Harders & Son, Inc.9/1/1951Hutt Insurance Agency10/1/1961Jim Clark Realty3/10/1961Panama City Florist & Gifts, Inc.2/1/1963

Remsco, Inc.2/1/1958Shipwreck Island Waterpark10/1/1963SunTrust Bank7/1/1951Tarpon Dock Air Conditioning8/1/1951TECO Peoples Gas7/1/1951The News Herald8/1/1951Tipton, Marler, Garner & Chastain6/1/1954Van Horn Transfer & Storage1/1/1951


First FridayFSU Panama City Holley Academic Center

(4750 Collegiate Drive)

Networking: 7:15 a.m./ Program 8:00 a.m.

Free event to Bay County Chamber members

and Chamber invited guests

Business after hoursLegendary Marine (3829 Thomas Drive)

5:30-7 p.m.

Sponsored by: Legendary Marine

Events are for Bay County Chamber members and

Chamber invited guests.

Contact 785-5206 for information on events or

membership.

CalendarBay County Chamber of Commerce Events{

Business after hoursGulf Coast Dermatology

(12905 Panama City Beach Parkway)

5:30-7 p.m.

Sponsored by: Gulf Coast Dermatology

Contact [email protected] for more information

Bay young Professionals SocialShrimp Boat Restaurant

1201 Beck Avenue

5:30-7 p.m.

Sponsored by: The Shrimp Boat

Contact [email protected]

for more information.

May

First FridayFSU-Panama City Holley Academic Center (4750 Collegiate Drive)

Networking: 7:15 a.m./ Program 8:00 a.m.

Program: Tourism Appreciation

Free event to Bay County Chamber members and Chamber invited guests

annual Jungleball Volleyball tournamentBookit.com Beach at Pier Park to be held on May 9th.

Contact [email protected] for more information.

17th annual Spring ClassicHombre Golf Course (120 Coyote Pass)

Sponsored by: Teco Peoples Gas and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

9

June

3

april

For a detailed listing of Chamber and community events visit

www.panamacity.orgDates, times and locations subject to change.

723

17

18


30

Tourism Appreciation MonthSponsored by: Simon Properties/Pier Park and BookIt.com

how technology and Social Mediahave Changed today’s Job S.e.a.r.C.h.

Since the advent of the Internet,what hasn’t changed? With mobiledevices, access to the world’sinformation is instant and readilyaccessible. Technology certainly hastouched every aspect of life,including the job search.

Before the Internet, the dailynewspaper and job fairs were themain resources for finding a job.

Now, there are virtually thousands of Web sites with a variety ofresources to aid in the job S.E.A.R.C.H.:

(S) Social Media sites, such as LinkedIn and Facebook, are helpingapplicants and employers network even before the interview. Jobseekers can connect with recruiters, and even receiverecommendations to add credibility. Employers do look at socialmedia profiles, so it is good to maintain an updated and professionalprofile.

(e) Employ Florida Marketplace is the state’s most comprehensiveemployment listing site for entry-level to executive positions

Kim Bodine, Executive Director

– Gulf Coast Workforce Board

Workforce Connection(www.employflorida.com). The Employ Florida Marketplace pullslistings from many other job posting sites, such as Monster.comand Careerbuilder.com, saving job seekers time and energy.

(a) Automatic Alerts can play a key role in landing a job. It is afact: being one of the first 6 to 10 qualifying applicants improvesthe chance at getting the job. Daily email alerts let job seekersknow immediately when a matching job is posted, and they can bethe first to apply.

(r) Research is much easier with so much information on theInternet. Job seekers can gain knowledge on a particular companyor industry trends in order to assist them in preparing for aninterview.

(C)Change is inevitable. Today’s technology makes it easier for acareer change. Job seekers can explore new careers, match uppersonalities and interests with jobs, receive free online training,and research salaries to aid the negotiation.

(h)Human Resource professionals also have access to this sametechnology, and it is good to know that applicants are beingscreened more diligently. While this does narrow down theapplicant pool, being chosen for an interview now means the jobseeker has made a significant step forward in the hiring process.

850.522.4400 [email protected]

©2 011 ERA Franchise Systems LLC. A Realogy Company. All Rights Reserved. ERA Franchise Systems LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated. ERA and the ERA logo are registered service marks owned by ERA Franchise Systems LLC.

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Five hundred years ago, a Spanish explorer with the name Juan

Ponce de Leon staked his claim on a beautiful part of the world

he liked to call La Florida. Today, we can thank Ponce de Leon for

discovering what is known as the State of Florida. Since his

discovery, our great state has grown immensely and now a

statewide movement is celebrating the Sunshine State’s rich

history.

Viva Florida is an initiative rallied by Governor Rick Scott to

promote the vast culture and opportunities the state has to offer.

According to the movement, Viva Florida is an effort to make sure

every county is offering activities to celebrate this momentous

occasion. There is currently no designated public funding, however,

many organizations and businesses are making sure to participate

and to save taxpayers money while celebrating. Over 150 events

will take place all across the state.

Here are some interesting points provided by Viva Florida about

the Sunshine State:� On April 2, 1513, Juan Ponce de León landed on the east coast

of Florida and became the first recorded European to set foot on

the Sunshine State Celebrates 500 years

the continental United

States of America, predating

European settlements in

Jamestown, VA and Plymouth Rock, MA by 94 years and 107

years, respectively. Florida has the longest recorded history of any

state in the nation. � 2009 marked the 450 year anniversary of the first attempt at

Spanish colonization of Florida in Pensacola.� In 2012, the 450 year anniversary of the first French colony in

the continental US in Jacksonville was recognized.� Next year, 2014, will mark the 50 year anniversary of the passing

of the Civil Rights Act.� 2015 is the 450 year anniversary of the founding of St. Augustine

as the nation’s oldest continually occupied European city.

For more information on how you can get out and celebrate

Florida’s 500, visit www.VivaFlorida.org .

written by Brittany Cole


After Hours Clinic Monday-Friday 4-9 pm

Florida Department of Health in Bay County

New name, same great

services

www.baycountyhealth.org 597 West 11th Street

850.872.4455

No appointment necessary

s

out&about

1.

5.

1. Gulf Coast Medical Center shows off their latest technology at January First Friday with the Beach.

2. Raymond Powell, Anna Beth Powell and Victoria Williams helping showcase our 100th Anniversary at February’s First Friday.

3. Junior Leadership Bay touring NavalSupport Activity-Panama City.

4. Amy Polick and Desiree Gardner atthe Bay Young Professionals Tour atGulf World Marine Park.

5. Bay County Chamber & Panama City Beach Chamber participating in a joint tour of Tyndall Air Force Base.

6. The Governmental Affairs Committee in Tallahassee delivering state leaders our 2013 Legislative Agenda.

out&about

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4.

2.

6.April - June 2013 | BAY BIZ 45

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Thanks to the leadership provided by the Chamber for the past 100 years, we’ll help garner even more success

for our clients in the next century!

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Congratulations to BAY BIZ magazine and the Bay County Chamber of Commerce

as they celebrate 100 years of dedicated service to our community. At Hancock

Bank, we too are committed to building lasting relationships with our customers

based on strong personal service. Today, as always, we offer our customers

increased convenience, a broad range of financial services and a commitment to

the communities we call home. For more information, visit hancockbank.com.

Committed to you.Committed to Panama City.

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Documents

April-June Commemorative Issue of the Bay Biz Magazine