www.wakullacountychamber.com

23 High Dr.

P.O. Box 598

Crawfordville, FL 32326

Tel: 850-926-1848

Fax: 850-926-2050

Wakul la Chamber and You: Partners For Success

Wakulla County

Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors

President

Amy Geiger

President Elect

Tammie Barfield

Vice President

Kevin Vaughn

Treasurer

Dustin Grubbs

Secretary

Mary Wallace

Past President

John W. Shuff

President’s Message

I am very excited to be your 2012 Chamber President and look forward to a challenging and yet rewarding year. My goals as your Chamber President is to follow in the footsteps

of our past leaders and continue with our mission…. to pro-mote, improve and enhance the business community we

serve. During this year I will focus on the following:

Membership: Our membership revenue has decreased significantly and we are

not unlike any other business in our county; we too are feeling the impact of this economy. Therefore we will continue to ensure “value” exceeds member “investment.” To attract and retain members, we will concentrate on the fol-lowing: Create a young professionals group to engage our future leaders.

Focus on our disengaged members by developing an Ambassador’s program to invite them to participate so they too can enjoy the many benefits we offer.

Education: A qualified workforce is one of the most essential components of a strong business community. Wakulla County has the distinction of having an A-rated public school system. Through the Burt Poole Scholarship Program, we assist Chamber members and their employees by providing opportunities to

enhance their skills through ongoing education. In addition, Workforce Plus will continue to offer training seminars for the business community.

Advocate for Business: I would appreciate hearing from you, our membership,

any comments, concerns, needs, educational requests and suggestions on

how we can make the Chamber an even more dynamic organization to assist

you and your business grow and thrive. Our Chamber plays a vital role in en-

suring our businesses are successful.

In closing, I would like to thank John Shuff, Past President, for his leadership and endless commitment to our business community.

Yours in Service,

Amy Geiger

President

February 2012

President’s Message

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Networking Luncheon at El Jalisco Restaurant

A great crowd of 42 joined for the networking

luncheon held at El Jalisco Restaurant January

25th, and staff handled the orders, anything off the

luncheon menu, with ease and smiles on their fac-

es. We continue to see different folks at these

luncheons each time, which makes for great net-

working.

Recently joined new members in attendance had

the opportunity to introduce themselves and let

guests know about their business. You have probably seen the yellow Critter Control

signs all over Wakulla County; Critter Control is a national company, and just recently

opened a local franchise in Crawfordville. Brandon Lynch with Critter Control informed

about their humane wildlife removal (anything except bears and alligators). In addition,

Critter Control offers Termite and Pest Control, and Exclusions & Repairs.

Dick Woodrum, with Rock Landing Marina, LLC.,

informed our guests about taking over the mari-

na in Panacea, and is now called Rock Landing

Marina. The marina offers slips and boat stor-

age, repairs, fuel, bait & tackle, and ice. You are

invited to visit and see the changes since owner-

ship changed. Mr. Woodrum also asked to be

aware that under a proposed FWC rule change,

the hundreds of small boat (17-22 feet) grouper

fishers who historically enjoy spring and fall

shallow water grouper fishing in Big Bend state waters (out 9 miles) will no longer be able

to do so. Please email the commissioners of the Florida Wildlife Commission Commis-

sioners@MyFWC.com and/or attend an important meeting at 8:30 a.m. on February 8

at the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy Auditorium, US 90 West. You may read

more on the Chamber website under news.

Ms. Inman Johnson announced Capital Area Community Action Agency’s biggest fundrais-

er of the year –PIGFEST, to be held at the North Florida Fairgrounds in Tallahassee Febru-

ary 18-19. The BBQ cook-off offers $8,500 in cash prizes, and the Battle of the Bands,

offering $2,500 in cash prizes, and promise to be very entertaining. In addition to listen-

ing to several live bands, you can visit arts & crafts vendors, view a custom car show, or

entertain the children at the Kid Zone. This sounds like a full day of entertainment.

A Chamber member, Costco Wholesale Club, gave out flyers to visit Costco over the

weekend 28 or 29th of January, and shop without being a club member. If you like the

store, and who wouldn’t, you can then use the flyer to become a member. Receive

a $10.00 cash card for a new $55.00 Gold star membership or a $20.00 cash card for a

continued

3

new $110.00 Executive membership. Costco also contributed a free membership to the

store to our drawing. If you have an question please feel free to contact Ashley at 850-

219-2522 or w01026mkt01@costco.com

Jo Ann Palmer, wearing her “Rotary hat” today, let everyone know about the upcoming

annual Valentine’s Day parade and festivities. Raffle tickets are available from all Rotary

members for $1 donation.

Always an exciting part of the hour are the door prizes,

and cash drawing. Today the $42 cash was won by one

of our new board members, Alan Wise with Preble –

Rish. Alan immediately donated his winnings back to the

Chamber. Thanks Alan!

We would like to thank the following for contributions to

the prize drawing: Critter

Control, Rainbow International, JoAnn Palmer, Susan

Schatzman, Costco, Cook Insurance Agency, Marianne and

Lionel Dazevedo, Petra Shuff and The Wakulla News.

Thank you El Jalisco for a great lunch and dessert!

Plan to join us next month, Wednesday February 22nd, at

Wakulla Springs Lodge. RSVP’s are strongly encouraged.

For any questions, please contact Petra 926.1848, or Mary 926.6613.

The Definition of Marketing:

Seven Keys to Success by Ron Stein

I’m asked a lot about the definition of marketing. Instead of immediately replying, I in-

vite the questioner to tell me what they think it is. The answers hit on the usual respons-

es:

The strategic side of marketing - marketing strategy planning, market and customer

analysis, product planning, pricing and promotion strategies, web analytics, go to market

strategy, and so on. And the tactical areas of marketing – brochures, web banner ads,

email campaigns, trade shows, sales lead management, social media, creating buzz with

news releases, etc.

The American Marketing Association has an official definition of marketing, which is:

“The activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering,

and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at

large.” Not exactly a fearless on the money explanation! It’s a bland statement and really

misses the mark. Maybe they did this on purpose because the definition of marketing co-

vers a broad set of skills and disciplines, from strategic thinking to tactical execution.

Maybe they were told to keep it short because of limited website real estate!

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Today, marketing is not one-size fits all. It varies by the size of the company, the indus-

try, as well as changing market and business conditions. It’s a process that hasn’t

changed dramatically, even in today’s Internet centric world. Certainly you deserve a defi-

nition that describes the process a bit more than this.

Plan, Connect, Sell, and Repeat

This process takes into account the customer, the product, and the channel and falls into

one of two buckets: planning or customer experience.

So, what is the definition of marketing? It’s an ongoing effort during the life of your prod-

uct or service, and definitely doesn’t end with the sale. Here’s a useful a checklist that

lays this out:

1. Marketing understands the needs of targeted customers;

2. Marketing designs products and services to meet those needs;

3. Marketing determines how best to position products and services, find and reach out

to the target audience, and support that effort;

4. Marketing discovers what method of delivery the targeted audience prefers in terms of

both communications and channels;

5. Marketing develops training and tools for the sales force as well as customer facing

materials, promotion, and programs;

6. Marketing keeps customers happy after the sale so that they come back for more;

Marketing figures out what’s working and what’s not, then makes necessary changes. Re-

peat!

By the way, your strategy can include a mix of different channels - direct, retail, strategic

partners, distributors and resellers, tiki huts on popular beaches, and more. Take care of

your channels just like you would support any targeted audience segment, and in turn

they’ll be very good to you.

Lastly, there must be a direct connection between company strategies, marketing strate-

gies, marketing activities, and revenue.

That’s why it’s critical for the sales and marketing teams to be in sync. Check out my arti-

cle Why Your Frontline Sales Must Include Marketing for more on why marketing needs to

be an essential part of the sales process. Marketing’s responsibility is to manage this en-

tire process and turn strategy into action for your company.

Ron Stein is the founder and President of FastPath Marketing (www.marketing-strategies-

guide.com). He has more than 20 years experience in sales, marketing, and business de-

velopment, working positions ranging from salesman to vice president of sales and mar-

keting to CEO of startups with industry leaders such as Motorola, VideoServer, Paradyne,

and SercoNet. Ron is a member of the advisory team at the Tampa Bay Innovation Cen-

ter, a nationally recognized entrepreneurial and startup accelerator for the state of Flori-

da. He can be reached at 727-398-1855 or Ron@FastPathMarketing.com

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Installation of 2012 Officers & Directors

The Wakulla County Chamber of Commerce officially installed a new slate of officers and directors for 2012. Thursday night, Jan. 19, Wakulla Clerk of Courts Brent Thurmond

conducted the swearing-in ceremony for the new board.

R. H. Carter did not disappoint the audience by interjecting a little history and wit during his opening remarks.

New President Amy Geiger introduced the evening’s guest speaker, Kelly

Robertson, with BowStern Marketing, who said her father always told her, “If you catch on fire with enthusiasm, people will come from miles to watch it burn.” Her discussion centered around taking

a look at the “fundamentals of why we do what we do,” and explored “moving people beyond their comfort zone” in terms of motivation, writing business plans and advertising.

Outgoing Chamber President John Shuff extended ap-preciation to the 2011 “heavy hitters” naming specifical-

ly Pam Albritton for her work on the Low Country Boil, Sharol Brown for

“doing anything anytime,” Paul Johnson for his contribution on legislative issues, Jo Ann Palmer for coordinating the Business Ex-cellence Awards event, Chuck Robinson for his work on the chamber’s website, Ralph Thomas for keeping the chamber informed from the Gov-

ernment and Commerce Committee, Kevin Vaughn for his work on the Economic Development Council, Mary Wallace for coordinating the monthly luncheons, Mary Ellen Davis for initiating the idea of the Busi-ness Excellence Awards and many other contributions during her time

on the board, Tammie Barfield for her assistance with publicity, Kimber-ly Moore for bringing her organizational skills to the meetings, Amy Gei-ger for her work on the standing committees, Leonard Bembry for being

on our side at the legislature, and Petra Shuff for being the “glue that holds us all together.”

Geiger then enthusiastically stated her goals for the upcoming year and expressed excite-ment about the opportunity to work with each member of the board. She cautioned eve-

ryone to “fasten your seatbelts” and get ready for what’s sure to be a challenging, but rewarding year for the chamber.

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You may have known us as That Place on 98 down on the coast for the last 14 years. We couldn’t be more please with our move up to Wakulla County. We have been received with open arms and have made a lot of new friends.

When we came up here I wanted to do some test marketing on what the people in the area want-ed. The test marketing is over in about 2 weeks our new menu will be here. Check the marquee for updates. There will be a lot more choices. We will have Catfish, Mullet, Country Fried Steaks, Ham-burger Steaks and many more new and exciting items. We are going to have a lot of items on the new dinner menu for under $10. Give us a call @ 926-2242 for our new to go promotion.

Come check us out and have my friendly wait staff take care of all your dining needs.

Debbie, Lynn and I want to thank-you for all the kindness you have shown since we moved here. I only wished we would have moved sooner.

Thanks,

Mike Keller

UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS:

International Gold Gymnastics - 54 Feli Way, Crawfordville - Monday, February

13th at 11:30 am

Bridlewood Apartments -7 Home Stretch Lane, Crawfordville - Tuesday, Febru-

ary 21 at 11:30 am.

Ribbon Cuttings

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Please join us for our 2nd Annual Low Country Boil

For sponsorships or tickets please call the

Chamber office 926-1848 or visit our

website wakullacountychamber.com

Please note that there will only be a limited number of tickets available

at the gate.

Welcome New Chamber Members!

Critter Control - Specializing in Humane Wildlife Removal, Termite & Pest Control,

Exclusions & Repairs

(850) 745.4111

69 Marie Circle, Crawfordville, Fl 32327 Welcome Brandon Lynch

First Bank – Senior Product Division - Specializing in Reverse Mortgages

(850) 556.6694

2671 Crawfordville Hwy. Suite #20, Crawfordville, FL 32327 Welcome Michael Welt-

man

El Jalisco Mexican Restaurant - Specializing in Mexican Cuisine

(850) 926.4329

2481 Crawfordville, FL 32327 Welcome The Carranza family