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Download the new
Bay County Chamber
Smart Phone App Today! | |
Available for any Blackberry, Droid or iPhone smart phone!
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Get Connected with the
Bay County Chamber! | |
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Click Below For Opportunities to Market Your Business In The
Airport Business Center! | |
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Thank You to our Sponsors! | |
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Chamber Calendar | |
July copy of the the
Bay County Chamber's Calendar of Events. |
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New Members |
Bonefish Grill #7091
Coffee News of Panama City
Dr. William B. Turner
Dreams2Reality, LLC.
New Image Promotional Products
Nova Technologies
Paramount Heating & Cooling, LLC.
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Gulf
Target Marketing
Thank you to Clear Channel
for producing our
New Member radio spots!
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Renewing Members | |
1 Year
AVIAN Engineering LLC
Early Learning Coalition of NW FL, Inc.
GPI Southeast
Salter Michael
Southwest Airlines
2 Years
Innerspaice Architectural Interiors
L&R Tractor Inc.
Lone Wolf Investigation & Security, Inc.
3 Years
Margaritaville
Moss and Associates
Panama Glass Co.
Sitte Roofing & Guttering Inc.
Sunny Hills Golf Club
Trinity Lutheran Church LCMS
UPS
4 Years
Classic Carpets Plus Color Tile
Littco Engineering
Noles Scapes
Panama City CRA
Panama City POPS Orchestra
5 Years
Firehouse Subs
Panama City Living Magazine
6 Years
Dr. L. Arthur Strickland
8 Years
Honda Yamaha Sea Doo of Panama
9 Years CK Secrets Home Instead Senior Care
10 Years
Coastal Extracorporeal Technology
D. Stephen Foster, CPA, PA
Landmark Holiday Beach Resort
Plumb Better, Inc.
11 Years
BAYSOLUTIONS
BB&T
Smitty's Barbecue & Salad Bar
13 Years Manuel & Thompson P.A. PCB Convention & Visitors Bureau SEE Florida Magazines
14 Years
Martinizing Dry Cleaning
15 Years
Heritage Bible Church
Monica L. Cothran, P.A.
Rubber & Specialties, Inc.
16 Years
Jerry Pybus Electric Inc. 17 Years
Eagle - SWS
18 Years
Super 8 Motel
19 Years
Rodney K. Wolfe
20 Years
Lewis Metals, Inc.
21 Years
City of Parker
Sonny's Real Pit Bar B Q 22 Years
Applied Research Associates, Inc.
Bauman Chiropractic Clinic
Boys & Girls Clubs of Bay County
Northrop Grumman
Sand Dollar Inn
23 Years
Wal-Mart #1207
25 Years
Florida Offshore, Inc.
M & W Auto Sales Inc.
26 Years
Gulf World Marine Park
NW Florida Beaches Int. Airport
Sowell Tractor Company
Surplus & Salvage Sales
28 Years
Florida Pest Control
32 Years
Bush Air Conditioning
Southern Transport Service
48 Years
Panama City Florist & Gifts, Inc.
50 Years
Jim Clark Realty
51 Years
Henry Hilton-Green
60 Years
Van Horn Transfer & Storage |
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Greetings!
Another successful month for the Chamber has passed and the heat of summer is here! July is a time for family and community fun and for remembering the sacrifices and service of our troops. The Chamber would like to recognize and salute Bay County's military installations and all of our troops.
Speaking of our local military installations, there was a major change of command at our Navy Base. Commander Pfefferkorn has moved on and we are pleased to welcome Commander Anglin to Bay County. You can read a full article on this change of command in this e-Biz newsletter.
Bay County was host to one of the redistricting meetings in Florida on June 22nd. We encourage you to get informed and involved in this process. For those of you who were unable to attend, we would like to pass along an informative website that will enable you to make comments and submit suggested district lines. You can also sign up for e-mail alerts from the committee on this site - www.floridaredistricting.org.
In other governmental affairs news, the State of Florida has developed a new communication process with legislative affairs. The new Office of Public Affairs Information will provide information on proposed legislation, a session guide and many helpful and informative resources. Sign up to receive these updates here www.myfloridahouse.gov.
The Chamber has been busy with continuing education opportunities for its members. We kicked off a new annual program, Educators in Industry, where middle and high school guidance counselors had the opportunity to tour local industries and listen to guest speakers to learn what Bay County has to offer students. The Bay Young Professionals group toured the local testing facility for Mercury Marine and the Business Referral Groups met at an all groups luncheon to listen to guest speaker, Dana Williams from Southwest Airlines, on marketing good customer service.
The Chamber has many future opportunities for continuing education as well. Leadership Bay applications are available. Leadership Bay is a community leadership development program created to familiarize selected participants with issues and resources that directly impact the future of Bay County. Participation is limited and the deadline is July 29th. Click here for the application.
Another opportunity is the "Marketing 2.0: New Tools of the Trade" seminar to be held on July 28th at FSU-Panama City - Holley Center from 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. sponsored by Neves Media and FSU-Panama City. This event will explore innovative thinking on how to navigate the rapidly changing world of marketing - offering tools, tips and tricks to make it more efficient and successful for your business.
The newest edition of the Bay Biz magazine is complete. You should be receiving a copy in your mail soon. You can also find copies at the Bay County Chamber office, at Chamber events and online at www.panamacity.org.
I would also like to congratulate our Small Business of the Quarter winner, Shore House Furniture. You can find more information about this community friendly business in this edition.
As you can see the Chamber is busy working for its members and the community. Read below for other events during the month of July and be sure to get involved and help make Bay County a better place to LIVE, WORK and PLAY! 
Bo Rivard,
Chairman of the Board |
Naval Support Activity Panama City Observes a Change of Command | | |
On Thursday, June 30th, Cmdr. Anthony Anglin relieved Cmdr. Jessica Pfefferkorn as the 4th commanding officer of NSA PC. U.S. Representative Steve Southerland was the guest speaker for the ceremony.
 Cmdr. Pfefferkorn assumed command of NSA PC in July 2008. A native of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, she graduated from Villanova University with a degree in Business Administration and was commissioned an Ensign in May 1989 through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps.
In 1998, Cmdr. Pfefferkorn attended the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), earning a Masters in Management Science with a concentration in Shore Installation Management.
While serving as NSA PC's commanding officer, Cmdr. Pfefferkorn initiated the development of a Base Master Plan which has become a critical component to the Navy's Regional infrastructure support plan. During her tenure, installation lodging operations were awarded their seventh consecutive 5-Star Admiral Zumwalt Award, the "A" list Platinum award for Bachelor Housing, and a 3rd "A" List Award for Family Housing. The base also earned its fourth Admiral Edward F. Ney Galley 5-Star Accreditation, a third consecutive Gold-level Secretary of the Navy Energy and Water Conservation Award and second consecutive Clean Marina Award from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Cmdr. Pfefferkorn's awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Navy and Marine Commendation Medal (three awards) and a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Her next assignment will be Chief of Partnerships, Plans and Policy, International Military Staff, NATO Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium.
Cmdr. Pfefferkorn and her husband Andy have two children, Hayden, age 13 and Giuliana, age 6.
Cmdr. Anglin reports to NSA PC from his previous post as Current and Future Operations Officer, Navy Region Southwest, San Diego, CA. Cmdr. Anglin is a native of Philadelphia, PA. He enlisted in the Navy in 1982 and served four years as an Aviation Anti-Submarine Warfare Technician (AX).
In 1986, after completing the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training (BOOST) Program, Cmdr. Anglin earned an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. He graduated from the Naval Academy with a Bachelors of Science in General Science and was commissioned an Ensign in 1990.
Cmdr. Anglin has a Master's of Science in Engineering Acoustics from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Master's of Business Administration with a subspecialty in Technology Management from National University.
Cmdr. Anglin has been awarded two Meritorious Service Medals, five Navy Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals, one Navy Good Conduct Medal, and numerous unit, service, and campaign ribbons and medals.
Cmdr. Anglin is married to the former Yolanda Marie Owens who is a native of Los Angeles, CA. The Anglins have one son, Tony Jr., age 16.
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Leadership Bay Application
Deadline Soon | |
Bay County Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting applications for the 2011-2012 Leadership Bay class. Information about Leadership Bay and applications can be found at the Bay County Chamber website www.panamacity.org. Deadline to apply is July 29, 2011. Participation in the program is limited.
Founded in 1983, Leadership Bay is a community leadership development program sponsored by the Bay County Chamber of Commerce. Based on the premise that people are our most important resource, the purpose of the program is to offer potential leaders a curriculum in community leadership training. Sessions are held every other Wednesday, beginning in August and running through April, to familiarize selected participants with issues and resources that directly impact the future of Bay County.
Click here for a creative look at the Leadership Bay program that the 2010-2011 class created.
For more information contact Elizabeth@baychamberfl.com
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Don't Miss Your Chance to Explore Ireland with other Chamber members! | |
The Bay County Chamber, Collette Vacations and our friends at Nervig Travel present Exploring Ireland, November 3-10, 2011. Leaving from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, this eight day affordable trip highlights the beautiful sights of Ireland. Visit Dublin and Killarney as this tour introduces Ireland's natural beauty, rich history and hospitable culture.
Information also available online at www.panamacity.org or contact jill@baychamberfl.com. |
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First Friday with the Beach | | |
Please join us for a combined Bay County & Panama City Beach Chamber morning meeting for an opportunity to network with members of both Chambers!
Date: Friday, July 8th
Time: Networking and coffee: 7:30 a.m.
Program: 8 - 9 a.m.
Place: FSU-PC Holley Center
Program:
 "Bay County: Where We Have Been and Where We Are Going" presented by Ed Smith, Bay County Manager.
Sponsored by:
First Friday Flowers Provided by Panama City Florist and Gifts |
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Small Business Institute | | |
Date: Wednesday, July 13th
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Place: Chamber Boardroom
The committee is seeking input from small business owners on topics and programs that you would like to see. If you are a small business owner, do not miss out on this opportunity to discuss what is important for your business.
For more information contact Elizabeth@baychamberfl.com or 850-215-3761.
Small Business of the Quarter
Congratulations to Shore House Furniture for being selected as the Small Business Institute's Small Business of the Quarter.
Shore House Furniture has been in business in Bay County for over 7 years. Locally owned and operated, Shore House Furniture serves the furniture needs of the growing Bay County residential and condominium market offering quality coastal furnishings, unique accessories, complete home decorating services and complimentary local delivery. Their mission is to be the Gulf Coast's premier headquarters for home and home-away-from home coastal décor.
Shore House believes in giving back to their community. They proudly support the Miracle League, Junior Service League, Friend's of St. Andrews, American Heart Association and Patronis Elementary School.
Congratulations again to Shore House Furniture for being selected as the Small Business Institute's Small Business of the Quarter!
Does your business have fewer than 35 employees and are you a member of the Bay County Chamber? If so, your business may be eligible for Small Business of the Quarter. The SBI is currently accepting applications. Businesses that are selected receive publicity in the E-BIZ newsletter, Bay Biz magazine, recognition on the Chamber's website, www.panamacity.org, First Friday and a sign for your business recognizing you as the Small Business of the Quarter.
For more information or an application, please contact Elizabeth at 215-3761 or elizabeth@baychamberfl.com.
Small Business of the Quarter is sponsored by:
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Bay Young Professionals | | |
Mark your calendar for this NO COST BYP Social!
Date: Thursday, July 14th
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Place: T.G.I. Friday's
(23rd St. Location)
Please RSVP by July 12th to Elizabeth@baychamberfl.com or 215.3761
Sponsored by:
Are you a young professional looking for personal and professional development and connecting to community leaders? Then Bay Young Professionals is for you!
Bay Young Professionals was formed by the Bay County Chamber to specifically address the needs of this target group, individuals age 21-41, recognizing that certain leadership skills come from additional experiences beyond the classroom and job environment. Under the chairmanship of Valerie Lovett, Bay County Board of Commissioners, BYP hosts monthly opportunities to attend programs conducted by professionals and leaders from the community as they share experiences and expertise. Members of BYP will have the opportunity to attend tours of local industries, socials and luncheons conducted by professionals and leaders from the community.
Members of the Bay County Chamber can join BYP for an annual fee of $75 and non-members can join for $100. For more information or an application, please contact Elizabeth at 215-3761 or elizabeth@baychamberfl.com. |
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Business After Hours | | |
Please join us for an evening of fun, networking and see the VAC's current exhibit! Be sure to bring your business cards!
Date: Tuesday, July 26th
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Place: Visual Arts Center (Downtown - 19 E. 4th st.)
Sponsored by:
 
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Marketing 2.0: New Tools of the Trade | | |
This half day seminar will explore innovative thinking on how to navigate the rapidly changing world of marketing - offering tools, tips and tricks to make it more efficient and succesful for your business!
Date: Thursday, July 28th
Time: 8:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Place: FSU-PC Holley Center
Cost: $35 chamber members / $45 non-members
TOPICS:
Mobile Interactive Marketing with QR Codes & Microsoft Tags - presented by: Sean Brosnan, Founder/Creative Director for Gorgeous/RFP and Marketing Director for the Humane Society
Developing An Effective Email Marketing Campaign - presented by: Jack Kerigan, Owner/CEO for Kerigan Marketing Associates
Tools to Manage Your Company Online - presented by: Jason Koertge, Director of New Media & Marketing for CyberSytes
Sponsored by:
 
Community Sponsors: Newks Cafe & Magic Bradcasting
Coffee & Light Breakfast Sponsor: The Bagel Maker
Deadline to register is July 22nd. Click here for more details and registration form. Contact Crystal@baychamberfl.com or 215.3755 for more information.
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Save the Date: Local First Responders Appreciation Luncheon! | | |
For their courage. For putting our lives ahead of their own. For inspiring us.
Help us honor local Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS and Military as ell as recognize the 10th anniversary of 9/11 at the
First Responders Appreciation Luncheon!
Date: Thursday, September 8th
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Place: FSU-PC Holley Center
Keynote Speaker:
Major General (ret) Larry Arnold
1st Air Force Commanding Officer during 9/11
Click here for his bio
This unique event offers the business community an opportunity to express appreciation for the service that first responders and our military provide.
Various sponsorships are available including a Presenting Sponsor! Sponsors will have the opportunity to meet First Responders and thank them first hand for what they do. Two First Responders will be invited to sit at each sponsored table.
A Community Hero of the Year presentation will also be included in the program.
Limited space available. Be sure to sign up for your sponsorship today! Click here for details and benefits.
Contact Jill@baychamberfl.com or 215.3757 for more information. |
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New Bay Biz! | |
 The 3rd Quarter Bay Biz Magazine (July - Sept.) edition will be in your mailbox soon! You can also pick up extra copies at Bay County Chamber events and at both Chamber office locations (downtown and in the NWFL Beaches Airport). You can also view a digital version of the Bay Biz magazine on the chamber website panamacity.org. This edition's feature photographer is Tim Allen. You can admire his photos on the cover and inside for the Eastern Shipbuilding article. Please read below for Tim's bio and contact information. |
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Bay Biz Feature Photographer...Tim Allen | |
  Tim Allen is the featured photographer for the 3rd quarter (July-Sept.) Bay Biz magazine. His photos can be seen on the cover featuring the bow of the Harvey Supporter Vessel before it's launch at Eastern Shipbuilding, as well as, featured in the Eastern Shipbuilding article. Tim has been a member of the Bay County Chamber since September of 1998. Tim Allen is a well known photographer in Bay County and owns a studio at 1118 Jenks Ave. Please read below for more about Tim and his path as a photographer. Tim's work of creating heart warming family portraits is his dream. In his words, "I love families and it is my highest honor to be trusted to capture their feelings for each other in a sensitive and artistic portrayal they will always treasure." In addition to numerous photography awards and honors, Tim's past includes representative of Washington DC at the American Legion Boys State, an appointment to West Point by the governor of Maryland, FSU circus performer, recognition twice in Success magazine, and international distributor of the year with a business. Tim came to Panama City after high school attending Gulf Coast College. A year later his dad, Robert Allen, retired and moved here with his mom, Mavis, and Tim's younger brother Jeff. They loved the beach and chose their vacation paradise for retirement. Tim attended FSU earning a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts and photography. He was accepted to Pratt Institute of Art in New York, but declined, choosing to pursue his photography career. After a time in Los Angeles, he returned to Panama City and opened Tim Allen Photography, 29 years ago. In addition to portraiture and weddings, Tim worked in fashion and commercial photography enjoying world-wide publication and famous clients such as 7Up, Westinghouse, MTV, and American Greetings. Even so, families have his heart.
Tim is so dedicated to each family that he only works with one per day in striving to create a masterpiece, and gives a 100% guarantee of delight. Parents often commend him for his patience with their children and pets.
A sudden, unexpected tragedy struck his family while Tim was at FSU. His only brother, Jeff, became ill and passed away a week later. He says God helped them through, and triumph came later as Tim found purpose developing his passion for creating family portraits. His family had never had a portrait made and that opportunity was lost forever. "Without my family I would never have understood sacrificial love, or even be in business today. I only wish I could have my family captured in time in a portrait like what I create today. This would be priceless. I don't want anyone to live with the regret of never having captured your true love and relationships in a fine portrait." His work is proudly displayed at businesses around Northwest Florida. You can reach Tim at 850-763-5795, and www.timallenphotography.com. |
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Educators in Industry | |
May 30th - June 2nd the Bay County Chamber of Commerce and Bay District Schools Career - Education Task Force and Technical Education hosted the first annual Educators in Industry. Educators in Industry was created this year to offer teachers and counselors the opportunity to step out of the classroom and into the workplace in order to discover first hand what their students need to know. Nineteen educators spent four days learning more about local industries and businesses in Bay County as well as the scope and variety of career opportunities that exist, the connection between the workplace and what is being learned in school, the training and education required for specific career paths and skills necessary to be successful in the world of work. The participants visited Eastern Shipbuilding, ARINC, Gulf Power Lansing Smith Plant, HealthSouth, Gulf Coast Medical Center and Bay Point Marriot Golf Resort and Spa.
Thank you to GAC Contracting for sponsoring this event! |
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Chamber Value Testimonial | | |
Catering By Bob has been a Chamber member for 3 years. Our business has grown because of Chamber support and the many contact opportunities provided by the various events within the Chamber. We truly enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship at the chamber events and thank the Chamber for their commitment and service to all the businesses in Panama City.
Bob & Becky, Catering By Bob
309 Liddon Place
Lynn Haven, FL 32444
850-832-7074
www.cateringbybob.com |
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Apple of Our Eye Award Winners | |
Renovation
Gulf World Marine Park
15412 Front Beach Rd.
Panama City Beach, FL
If you know of a newly constructed building or renovation that should be considered for the Apple of our Eye Award, please let us know - 215.3753.
Apple of our Eye winners are also featured in television spots that run on WJHG News Channel 7, MY 7, and The CW each month. You can view them on our YouTube channel by clicking here.
Apple of our Eye Awards are sponsored by  |
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Grand Openings | | |
Gulf Coast
Chiropractic
1008 Jenks Ave.
June 10th
Kirkland Insurance Agency
2518 Hwy 77, Ste C
May 18th
Reilly's Kolaches & More
401 E. 23rd St.
May 19th
BookIt.com Beach in Pier Park
May 24th
Roughstock's Steak Pit & Seafood
1800 S. Hwy 77, Ste. 300
May 26th
Fresenius Dialysis Medical Care
2100 Harrison Ave.
May 31st
Humane Society of Bay County
2620 E. 15th St.
June 15th
Wells Fargo Bank
112 W. 23rd St
June 16th |
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Ambassador Spotlight | | |
 Janice Hanks, Coastal Community Insurance Agency, has been selected as July's Ambassador Spotlight. Janice has been serving as a Chamber Ambassador since she became a Chamber member in 1978 and has served as the Ambassador Chairman several times. Janice is also very active in the community currently serving as President with the Bay County Independent Agents Association, Past President of the Panama City Area Seminole Club currently serving on their Board, serves on the State of Florida Catastrophe Task Force and is a member of the Krewe of St. Andrews that provides scholarships to our local high school graduates. Thank you Janice for all that you do for the Chamber!
If you are interested in becoming a Chamber Ambassador please contact Don at don@baychamberfl.com or 850-215-3753. |
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Community News | |
Click Here for the Community Calendar of Events for July! |
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