The Green Issue - Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Panama City Beaches Chamber of Commerce 

THE CIRCUIT 

your connection to the beach 

PRSRT STD 

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PAID 

PERMIT NO 50 

PANAMA CITY, FL 

November/December 2008 

The 

Green 

Issue 

Vol 3 Issue 6 

community 

workforce 

education 

government 

pier park 

member news 

grand openings 

calendar of events 

THE CIRCUIT November/December 2008 1 

www.PCBeach.org

2 THE CIRCUIT November/December 2008

THE CIRCUIT November/December 2008 3

4 THE CIRCUIT November/December 2008 

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e Greater Panama City Beaches Chamber of Commerce 

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2007 Vol 2 Issue 6 

Green Adventures in 

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8 Ways to Green 

Up Your Life 

1 New Nature 

Center on the way 

BANKING CENTER 

REAL ESTATE CORNER 

GRAND OPENINGS 

AROUND TOWN 

MEMBER NEWS 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 

your connection to the beach ach 

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Vol 3 Issue 1 


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MEMBER NEWS 


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DUCAT ATION ATION 

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y/June 2008 Vol 3 Issue 3 

September/October 2008 Vol 3 Issue 5 


hopping 

& THINGS TO DO 

Guide 



resorts 

& 

real 

estate 

July/August 2008 Vol 3 Issue 4 

Health h& h& h& h& h& h& hh & & 

Wellness ss ss ss ss sss sss 

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Issue 

COMMUNITY 

WORKFORCE 

EDUCATION 

GOVERNMENT 

PIER PARK 

MEMBER NEWS 


CALENDAR OF 

EVENTS 

www.pcbeac 

www.PCBeach.org 

THE CIRCUIT July/August 2008 1 

www.PCBeach.org 

Are You 

Connected 

to the Beach? 

Advertise your business 

in The Circuit! 

2008 Spotlight 

Schedule: 

JAN/FEB 

Chamber’s Annual Report 

MAR/APR 

Dining Out in PCB 

MAY/JUN 

Shopping & Things To Do 

JUL/AUG 

Resorts and Real Estate 

SEP/OCT 

Health & Wellness 

NOV/DEC 

The Green Issue 

Rates & Information: 

Cyndi Answorth 

(850) 691-6259 

Cyndi@PCBeach.org 


c h a i r m a n ‘ s r e p o r t Al McCambry 

It is hard to believe that this year is almost over! 

2008 has been a very challenging year in many 

respects, and your Chamber has continued to 

work hard for you. On October 

2nd, in conjunction with the 

Bay Education Foundation 

and the Bay County Chamber 

of Commerce, we held a 

Business Leader/Educational 

Roundtable Forum. It was very 

well attended and great ideas 

were brought to the forefront 

as we continue to attack from 

an educational standpoint the challenges that face 

our community. Your Chamber worked with Gulf 

Coast Community College as they unveiled their 

vision related to the need for Advanced Technology 

for our area. This is a very important initiative, 

as Gulf Coast works not only with FSU PC but 

also with Middle School and High School aged 

children. The need for a qualifi ed, competent, 

and confi dent technology-driven workforce is 

imperative for our community’s continued success. 

So many positive things are happening in 

our community! Our future here in Bay 

County looks very bright. At the recent 

Stimulating the Economy with 

Transportation Conference held 

in Sandestin in mid-October, 

Regional and State Leaders 

discussed the many exciting 

things in store for Northwest 

Florida, and I am happy to share 

some of this information with 

you. 

To project the future of our economy, we should fi rst 

take a look at our area’s assets. One year ago regional 

leaders at the Gulf Power Economic Symposium 

cited Military and Defense, Seaports and Airports, 

High Technology, Aviation, Medical Facilities, 

Tousim, and a strong emphasis on Education as our 

area’s greatest assets. It is interesting to see what the 

concensus is twelve months later. As an emerging 

International Destination with a New International 

Airport coming in about 18 months, the economic 

On October 10th we announced the nominees for 

New Board Members at Friday at the Beach. The 

nominees were Felicia Cook from Pier Par, Terry 

Hook from Publix, Russ Smith from 

Towne of Seahaven and Amy Harris 

from Royal American Hospitality. 

Congratulations to these nominees, 

and we look forward to your 

contributions in 2009. 

Your Beaches Chamber will 

be hosting its annual retreat in 

November, where next steps for the 

direction of the Chamber for 2009 and beyond will 

be discussed and mapped out. As I mentioned at 

the start of this message, 2008 is almost over and it 

has been indeed a pleasure and an honor to be your 

Chairman. I look forward to continuing to work 

with the Beaches Chamber as we look to the future. 

Sincerely, 

Al McCambry, 

Chairman 

m e s s a g e f r o m t h e e d i t o r Marta Rose 

focus has shifted to include more International 

Trade, International Tourism, and Transportation 

and Airline Service – with Life Sciences, Wellness, 

Aerospace, Security and Defense 

continuing to be a focal point. 

Additionally, this year our leaders are 

talking much more about the global 

topic du jour: Renewable Energy 

and Alternative Fuels. Florida 

House Speaker Ray Sansom charged 

our region’s business leaders with 

building a foundation set to support 

the future. We need to create the right 

atmosphere to attract new businesses and experts in 

the fi elds listed above, because this is our future. 

New buzzwords abounded: Sustainable Travel 

(see Page 18); Human Performance (optimizing 

the human body for maximum health, achievement 

and longevity); Human Infrastructure; Knowledge- 

Based Environment. For more information please 

email me at Marta@PCBeach.org. As always, visit 

PCBeach.org for community updates and events.


309 Beckrich Road, Panama City Beach, FL 32407 

Phone: (850) 235-1159 Fax: (850) 235-2301 

PCBeach.org 

Chairman of the Board 

Al McCambry, Knology 

Past Chairman 

David Powell, 

Peoples First Community Bank 

Incoming Chairman 

Anthony Dubose, 

Coastal Community Insurance Agency 

Treasurer 

Philip Griffi tts, Jr., Sugar Sands Beach Resort 

Legal Council 

Steven L. Applebaum 

The Board 

Karen Blackerby, Magnum Capital 

Sue Brookhart, Naval Support Activity PC 

Robert Carroll, McNeil Carroll Engineering 

Rick Dye, Regions Bank 

Pam George, Gulf World Marine Park 

John Gheesling, Bikini Beach 

John Hamati, Carefree Hospitality 

Scott Harris, Wachovia Bank 

Annie Holcombe, Oaseas Resorts 

Lewis Howell, The St. Joe Company 

Jayna Leach, Sterling Resorts 

Lee Ann Leonard, By The Sea Resorts 

Jim Musicaro, Carrabba’s Italian Grill 

Chris Pariseau, Allegra Print & Imaging 

Lisa Powell, Hombre Golf Club 

Edy Rivard, Gulf Coast Medical Center 

Cil Schnitker, Comcast Cable 

Jeff Segan, Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort & Spa 

Skip Stoltz, Countrywide Home Loans 

Paul Wohlford, Edgewater Beach Resort 

Honorary Members 

Mayor Gayle Oberst, City of PCB 

Dr. George DePuy, FSU PC 

Dr. Jim Kerley, GCCC 

Director of Operations Beth Oltman 

Senior VP Marketing & PR Marta Rose 

Membership Accounting Mgr. Jena Kimmel 

VP Membership Services Cyndi Ainsworth 

Marketing/Communications Hillary Marchman 

Web Manager Jessica Summers 

Information Specialist Bertie Reynolds 

S LAR 

ENERGY 

“Making the 

Emerald CoastGreener” 

Systems Inc. 

Melanie Driggers 

Customer Service 

Representative 

Phone: (850) 249-2877 

Fax : (850) 249-2879 

103 Amar Place Suite104 

Panama City Beach 32413 

Sales Service Installation E-mail: sesisales@knology.net 

www.solarenergysystemsincorperated.com 


� Living 

on the 

Wild Side 

The amazing 

secret of our 

forgotten coast 

is out. Now 

it is our responsibility 

to 

protect what 

makes it so 

special. 


16 

� 

Soirees 

This 

Season 

Tips for 

stress-free 

holiday 

parties 


� Going Green 

is smart, ethical 

and cost-effective. 

What are some 

of the ways 

we all can help 

the environment? 

21 

27 14 

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 8 

� 

Education 

Roundtable 

Local 

businesses 

are going 

back to 

school 

Cover photo, “Someone to Watch Over Me,” by Teresa Tuno. Right: “Nature Walk” by Teresa 

Tuno. The Green Issue of The Circuit magazine is printed on FSC certifi ed Sterling Matte 

stock which contains 10% post-consumer fi ber, using soy-based Toyo Ink. 

Photo on Page 18, “Yellow Tails,” by Teddy Meeks. 

Contents 

FEATURES 

11 Biz Spotlight: Biological Research Associates 

12 Biz Spotlight: Diva Productions 

14 Local Businesses Are Going Back to School 

16 The Green Issue 

23 Members Are Saying...Local Green Practices 

25 Redfi sh Riviera 

26 Sitting Down With Mel Ponder, Coastal Vision 3000 

27 Soirees This Season 

38 Chamber After Hours & Fridays at the Beach 

36 Community Update 

36 FSU Panama City 

36 Gulf Coast Community College 

37 Naval Support Activity Panama City 

37 Gulf Coast Workforce Board 

28 Member News 

39 Grand Openings 

40 New & Renewing Members 

41 High Voltage Membership 

41 Ambassador Update 

6 Chairman’s Report 

6 Message from the Editor 

10 Financial Matters 

10 Real Estate Corner 

EVENTS 

AROUND TOWN 

MEMBERSHIP 

IN EVERY ISSUE 

Editorial Staff 

Editor & Creative Director: Marta Rose Traffi c Manager: Hillary Marchman 

Advertising Sales: Cyndi Ainsworth Production: Boyd Brothers Printing Distribution: Allegra Print & Imaging 

Contributing Writers: Mayor Gayle Oberst, Dr. George DePuy, Dr. Jim Kerley, Cmdr. Jessica Pfefferkorn, Kimberly Bodine, April Schuette, 

Linda Macbeth, Janis Boatright, Lisa Dallas, Kelly Mandello, Joanna Banks-Morgan, Marilyn Fenimore. 

*A special thank you to all Chamber members who submitted ideas and information on Going Green for this issue.


Financial Matters 

Stay Calm in the 

The collapse of so 

many large fi nancial 

companies is unprecedented 

in the post-World War 

II period. These recent events 

have been an enormous shock 

to our economy. We often say 

corrections in the market are 

normal, but the situation which 

caused this downturn was not 

normal. 

While Capitalism is the best 

economic system we know, it’s 

not perfect. The fundamental 

nature of our free-market 

economy is the tendency to 

move in “boom and bust” 

cycles. No one can predict 

when downturns begin and 

Midst of a Crisis 

end. As long-term investors, we must recognize that if we can’t predict 

this cycle, we must always be prepared for it. The best way to prepare 

is to focus on quality investments, completely diversify your portfolio 

and invest for the long term. 

Investing is easy. Staying invested isn’t – especially during a market 

such as this. The situation today may feel different, but I believe the 

four most dangerous words in investing are “This time is different.” 

It’s essential to remind yourself that history is on your side. I believe 

when this downturn ends, the markets and the economy will merge in a 

stronger position. The best strategy to help you enjoy the next recovery 

and reach your long term goals is to: 

t Stay invested 

t Look for opportunities 

t Be patient 

While the short-term outlook for the economy may have changed, our 

advice hasn’t. This crisis, which no one anticipated, simply means 

investors are going to have to be more patient. Investing in the stock 

market can be very uncomfortable, but that’s why the stock market, 

over a long period of time, has provided returns that were higher than 

those of less risky investments. By showing the courage to stay the 

course during the diffi cult periods, we’re working hard to earn the 

higher returns that the stock market usually offers over the long term. 


Keith Curry, Edward Jones Investments 

Real Estate 

R 

owe 

ealty 

Group, LLC 

Although Rowe Realty Group, LLC is new to the Panama 

City Beach real estate community, Tina Rowe, Broker/ 

Owner has an extensive 

knowledge of the area and is part 

of its legacy. Being born and raised 

on Panama City Beach, and as a 

successful real estate professional 

here for over seven years, she has 

witnessed and been a part of some the 

enormous changes that have taken 

place. She is pleased and excited to 

have Crystal Brown as part of her 

team. Crystal is originally from the 

Birmingham, Alabama area. She 

and her husband Rick are excited 

about the opportunities in Panama 

City Beach and love raising their 

Tina Rowe 

children on the Emerald Coast. 

Rowe Realty Group, LLC is 

dedicated to providing the fi nest service available and eager to 

help you realize your dream of living, investing, or vacationing in 

the charm and beauty of Florida’s 

Panhandle. We offer assistance in 

not only buying and selling condos, 

but homes, waterfront, residential 

land and investment property. The 

real estate industry is becoming 

more sophisticated and challenging 

every day. With our knowledge 

of the area and true commitment 

to excellence in customer service, 

Rowe Realty Group, LLC will go 

the extra mile for you and help you 

achieve your goals. 

Crystal Brown 

ultimate places to live or play in Paradise! 

Please visit our website at PCBchFlorida. 

com or contact us at (850) 832-3355. 

Relax…kick back… and let Rowe 

Realty Group, LLC connect you 

with the 

R owe 

ealty 

Group, LLC 

Corner

Biz Spotlight 

Panama City is Host to One of Florida’s Premier 

ENTRIX provides 

services designed 

to help companies 

become more 

“green” 

and 

sustainable. 

From top: BRA ecologists regularly survey 

for and relocate gopher tortoises (Gopherus 

polyphemus); BRA conducts wildlife surveys 

throughout the state, including searching for 

bald eagles and their nests (Haliaeetus leucocephalus); 

Kelly Mandello of BRA Panama 

City conducts vegetation monitoring. 

ENVIRONMENTAL 

CONSULTING FIRMS 

Biological Research Associates (BRA), 

a division of ENTRIX, Inc., has been 

in Bay County since 2000 and is celebrating 

its 35th year in Florida. BRA 

provides diverse environmental services 

including surveys for endangered or rare 

plant and animal species, wetland delineations, 

water quality studies, and habitat 

mapping services essential to anyone buying 

property in Florida. If environmentally 

sensitive features are found on the property, 

BRA can help landowners determine 

the best way to avoid impacts to these areas 

and obtain permits to work with them. 

Sound environmental stewardship is important 

to the employees and principals of 

BRA. With many of BRA’s staff holding 

advanced degrees in disciplines such as 

Ecology, Limnology, Botany, and Zoology, 

they have a strong interest in natural resources 

and seek to fi nd way of balancing 

between natural resource protection and responsible 

expansion of development in the 

region. BRA has won numerous awards 

for wetland mitigation design and planning 

from organizations and agencies including 

the Florida Association of Environmental 

Professionals, Florida Department of Environmental 

Protection, Southwest Florida 

Water Management District and others. 

The staff of BRA is also actively involved 

both personally and professionally in North 

Florida organizations such as the Audubon 

Center at West Bay, the Florida Native 

Plant Society, and Habitat for Humanity. 

BRA’s parent company, ENTRIX, is a 

highly respected environmental consulting 

fi rm with broad national experience and 

recognition, vast technical expertise, and 

global reach. In June 2008, Engineering 

News-Record (ENR) ranked ENTRIX as 

the 82nd largest environmental fi rm in the 

United States. Today ENTRIX and BRA 

has over 550 employees and a presence in 

43 locations in 22 U. S. states, Canada and 

Ecuador. 

ENTRIX also provides services designed 

to help companies become more “green” 

and sustainable and has expertise in wind 

energy, carbon sequestration, sustainability, 

natural resource risk management, 

water use planning, and natural resource 

economic analysis. More information 

about ENTRIX, BRA and their subsidiary 

companies can be found at www.entrix. 

com or www.biogicalresearch.com. Kelly 

Mandello of the Panama City offi ce can be 

reached by phone at (850) 785-6100. 

BRA is excited to be a part of the Bay 

County community and looks forward to 

serving the area’s environmental needs for 

many years to come. 


Biz Spotlight 

Daring to be a Diva 

“M 

y mother was a newspaper editor/ a 30-second commercial or an hour long 

publisher in southwest Florida and wedding video – it’s about reaching your 

my father is an actor. I grew up audience and creating something which 

in newsrooms and on sets. The resonates with them.” 

last thing I wanted in my life was 

While living in Wales, Joanna met Robert 

creative personalities. Don’t we all rebel 

Morgan, a 25-year veteran of the South 

against our parents?” asks Banks-Morgan. 

Wales Constabulary. “The thing I fell in 

When she enrolled at Florida State in Tal- 

love with about Rob, was his total contralahassee 

in 1987, she went so far as to dedictions. 

Here he was this battle worn cop, 

clare her major as Political Science, but by 

but he painted and photographed the most 

1992 she was living in Plymouth, England 

beautiful scenery. Rob has the kind of ar- 

and working for Westcountry Television. 

tistic talent most people can only dream 

“As soon as I walked into the newsroom 

about.” 1998 brought the birth of their 

at Westcountry, I felt like I was at home. I 

daughter, Rhiannon, and a move to Los 

was thousands of miles away from Florida, 

Angeles where Rob had been offered a po- 

but I still felt like I was home.” It was dursition 

in executive protection. “Basically, 

ing this time Banks-Morgan fi rst worked 

he was a bodyguard,” says Joanna. “If you 

as an independent producer. “Journalists 

want to know which celebrities he worked 

salaries are notoriously bad! I always had 

for, you’ll have to corner him at Chamber 

to supplement my income with projects on 

function. He has more stories than you 

the side.” 

have space for in this article!” 

After a stint in Texas working for KEYE the 

CBS owned affi liate in Austin, the Banks- 

Morgan’s settled in Panama City Beach. 

“I’d come to interview for another job, but 

we recognized the potential for starting our 

own business here,” states Joanna. “We 

saw a need for high quality video production 

at affordable prices. I think that’s what 

we do best – creative concepts at a local 

level.” It’s been a productive year for the 

Banks-Morgan’s. “We’ve produced nearly 

thirty projects this year, over half of them 

were scripted by us, and we’ve just added 

photography to our services. Heather 

Forrester is heading the division. We’re 

thrilled to be working with her full time - 

she’s so incredibly talented.” Joanna pauses, 

“I guess I’ve come full circle in a lot of 

ways. Florida, England, Wales, California, 

Texas and back to Florida. Newsrooms 

and movie sets, back to our own production 

company. Jeez. When did I become 

my parents?!” 

At ten years old, if 

you had asked Joanna 

Banks-Morgan of Diva 

Productions, what she 

wanted to be when she 

grew up, it would not 

have been a producer. 

Photography by Heather Forrester of Diva 

Productions and Charles Baisden of Meg 

Baisden Photography. 


Wanting more fi lm training and the opportunity 

to hone her journalism skills, 

Banks-Morgan enrolled in Cardiff University’s 

Journalism, Film and Broadcasting 

program in Cardiff, Wales. She later went 

to work for HTV Wales where she tells 

us time spent collaborating with the ITV 

airtime sales company, gave her a crash 

course in commercial production. “It was 

insane, the amount of money which went 

into producing commercials in the 90’s. 

We were “local” but we still had access to 

incredible technology and talent. Even at 

this early point 

in my career, 

I have to acknowledge 

my roots and 

my journalism 

skills gave me 

a unique advantage.Inherently, 

I’ve 

always known 

it’s not just 

about knowing 

who your 

audience is or 

having great 

footage and graphics. You have to be able 

to tell a story – whether you’re doing it in 

Joanna Banks-Morgan is the President of 

Diva Productions, a fi rm specializing in providing 

video production services and media 

training for clients throughout the Emerald 

Coast. She graduated Summa Cum Laude 

with a degree in Communication, and is a 

member of the Public Relations Society of 

America and Women in Communications.

Swing 

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We have the dance for you! 

FRED ASTAIRE 

FRANCHISED DANCE STUDIOS. 

No Partner Necessary Gift Certificates Available 

850-873-6269 www.fredastairepanamacity.com 


Local Businesses are 

Going Back 

to School 

Communication, Collaboration 

and Competitiveness: 

The challenge is to develop these 

desirable qualities as we think about 

educating our future workforce. 

This is one of the major outcomes of the Business Education 

Roundtable convened October 2, 2008, at the Bay 

Point Marriott by the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, 

The Greater Panama City Beaches Chamber of Commerce, 

the Bay District Schools and the Bay Education Foundation. 

“We truly believe that Bay County is on the verge of greatness, 

destined for favor, especially when business and education leaders 

are united,” says Marilyn Fenimore, President of the Bay 

Education Foundation, the host group for the fi rst roundtable. 

Sixty-four local leaders from the community spent an intense afternoon 

addressing how to best anticipate the needs of students 

and local businesses for a prosperous future in our area. With 

the guidance of Janice Lucas, Bay District 2008 Teacher of the 

Year, eight facilitators (Lisa Adams, Brian Bacon, Mayor Scott 

Clemons, Joanne Cox, Mayor Gayle Oberst, Jean Schmidt, 

Major Lee Wynne and Lisa Wilkerson) led local business leaders, 

military personnel, civic and community leaders, ministers, 

teachers, and educational administrators in a discussion to answer 

three questions: 


1. What should schools be doing to prepare students for life 

after high school? 

2. What basic skills does a person need to succeed in the 

work place? 

3. What are the opportunities for our community—individuals, 

organizations, and businesses—to develop stronger 

relationships resulting in good work habits, improved basic 

skills, and improved technology skills? 

According to Fenimore, three common themes emerged 

in most of the groups: communication, collaboration, 

and competitiveness. “The challenge going forward is 

to develop these desirable qualities as we think about educating 

our future workforce,” says Fenimore, “and Janice Lucas is going 

to help us structure the many productive ideas into a coherent 

plan. Probably the fi rst action by the group will be development 

of a business-to-classroom mentoring program. At least seven 

businesses indicated they would like to start programs to represent 

and benefi t their professions, and the teachers and administrators 

present were excited about this partnership.” 

In addition to broad initiatives, each participant was asked to 

list one concrete action that he or she would undertake as an 

individual. “The ideas were as varied as the participants,” said 

Lucas, “and ranged from volunteering as a mentor to agreeing 

to plan fi eld trips for students to promising to spread the word 

about positive programs in our schools.” 

After the formal discussions concluded, participants were invited 

to chat with each other and members of the Bay Education 

Foundation Board of Directors at a reception hosted by Wendy’s 

and NAI Emerald Coast Commercial Real Estate. 

The Business Education Roundtable was organized by a committee 

comprised of representatives from various stakeholder 

groups. Members of the committee were Carol Roberts, Bay 

County Chamber of Commerce; Beth Oltman, The Greater 

Panama City Beaches Chamber of Commerce; Pat Sabiston, 

Bay County School Board; Doug Merkle, Community Leader; 

Karen Tucker, Bay District Schools; Jane McNabb, Business 

Leader; Janice Lucas, Bay District Teacher of the Year; and 

Chairperson Marilyn Fenimore, Bay Education Foundation. 

Other sponsors of the Roundtable event were Bay Point Marriott 

and McConnell Printing Company.

Participants in the first Business Education Roundtable include: 

Ronnie Adams 

School Board Chair 

Donna Allen 

Tammy Anderson 

Allison Beck 

Tony Bennett 

Lindsey Berling 

Dr. George Bishop 

Kim Bodine 

Steve Bornhoft 

Nancy Boyd 

Nancy Browne 

Crystal Bullock 

Robert Carroll 

Corporal Billy Carstarthen 

Jeanette Chapman 

Reverend Kendrick Conway 

Melinda Cowart 

Keith Curry 

Sandra Davis 

Dr. George DePuy 

Rick Dye 

Pastor Phil Edwards 

Linda Evans 

Bill Fenimore 

Reverend Billy Fox 

Marianne Garrigan 

Arthur George 

Steve Grice 

Yvette Griffi n 

Jerrilyn Griffi tts 

Norm Gulkis 

Dr. John Haley 

Scott Harris 

Mike Heptinstall 

Annie Holcombe 

Terry Hook 

Ryan Johnson 

Jennifer Jones 

Jayna Leach 

Wayne Lindsey 

Carla Lovett 

Superintendent James 

McCalister, Sr. 

Al McCambry 

Reverend Sherlene McClary 

Glen McDonald 

Sean McNeil 

Doug Merkle 

Ron Merritt 

Dr. Jason Newsom 

Don O’Neal 

Andy Phillips 

David Powell 

CDR Tim Richardt 

Brig General Darryl 

Roberson 

Cylle Rowell 

Steve Smith 

Barry Tate 

Bryan Taylor 

Sherry Taylor-Butler 

Judy Vandergrift 

Leon Walters 

Lisa Walters 

Scott Wensyel 

Sharon Watley 

Robert Wilkos 

Lendy Willis 

Lt. Col. Gianna Zeh 

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Sustainable materials. Carbon footprints. 

Hybrid cars. Paperless practices. 

“Greening” your pets, your babies, 

your kitchens, your closets. 

When did the world get so 

“GREEN?” 

You see it everywhere: 

Save the planet; 

protect the 

environment; 

stop global 

warming. 

It is known as the “green” movement and 

hundreds of your friends and neighbors are 

already endorsing their new favorite color! 

Do you remember the four “R’s?” Well, 

if you can only recite three (reduce, reuse 

and recycle) then it’s time to get back to the 

basics of recycling because they’ve added a 

fourth component – respond. This newly revamped 

quartet of environmentally friendly 

practices has received a breath of fresh air 

from the green movement and it is time we 

all do our part to pitch in. Following are 

some ideas suggested by the Environmental 

Protection Agency to implement the four 

R’s into your daily routine. 

Reduce the amount of waste produced 

in your home. For example, whenever 

possible purchase items that do not require 

special packaging. While it is sometimes 

necessary to buy products that are specially 

packaged for the safety of the consumer, 

consider buying products that don’t require 

such precautions. At the grocery store, 

items like tomatoes, potatoes, garlic, mushrooms, 

etc. are offered unpackaged, thus 

eliminating the need to dispose of any unnecessary 

waste. Other items used routinely 

(toilet tissue, shampoo, pet food, laundry 

soap) may also be purchased in bulk reducing 

the amount of disposable waste. 


Reuse products whenever possible. For 

instance, instead of paper towels, switch 

to cloth napkins and dishcloths that can be 

laundered and used again. You might also 

consider products that can be refi lled and 

reused in their original containers, like some 

beverages and liquid soaps. Also, before 

discarding old tools, camera equipment, or 

other goods, ask friends, relatives, neighbors, 

or community groups if they can use 

them. Plus, why not try sharing newspapers 

and magazines with others to reduce the 

generation of waste paper? 

Recycle, recycle, and recycle. Use 

products made from other recycled products 

and then recycle them again. Many everyday 

items like paper, stationary, glass and 

plastic containers are available with recycled 

content and are available at most retailers. 

One of the best ways to help our planet is to 

use things from the past. 

Respond to the increasing need for 

more environmentally smart practices in 

your home and community. Share this 

information on the basics of recycling with 

friends and family and help them get started 

today! 

Four Simple Tips to Better 

Efficiency 

Year after year data from the U.S. 

Department of Energy suggests that the 

kitchen accounts for the majority of your 

home’s energy usage. As the kitchen 

continues to evolve into the focal point of the 

home, it is the most ideal space to incorporate 

various aspects of green living to improve 

your home’s energy effi ciency and air quality. 

Case Handyman & Remodeling offers four 

tips for an effi cient and healthier kitchen 

environment:* 

1. Energy Saving Appliances 

Energy and water usage can be reduced by 

up to 50% with Energy Star appliances. 

2. Compact Fluorescent 

Lighting 

Replace standard light bulbs with CFL’s. 

They last up to ten times as long and use 

one fourth of the energy. 

3. Natural Lighting 

Using skylights saves money on electricity 

and enhances the overall livability of your 

home. 

4. Bamboo Flooring 

Easier to maintain than wood fl oors, 

bamboo is an attractive and durable 

alternative. 

Case Handyman & Remodeling is the 

nation’s largest full service remodeling 

organization, and will be serving Bay 

County and the surrounding areas in January 

2009. Visit caseremodeling.com for more 

information. 

*The Energy Tax Incentives Act provides 

homeowners with a $500 tax credit for money 

spent on home improvement projects that feature 

specifi c energy saving products.


Drive Green 

Florida is currently seeking to adopt 

California motor vehicle emission standards, 

pending approval of the U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency. Starting with 2009 

models, emissions for automobiles and light 

trucks would be reduced by 25% and by 18% 

for SUVs. Hybrid vehicle use is on the rise. 

Observe fuel costs for two comparative cars, 

the Chevy Cobalt (gas engine) and the Toyota 

Prius (hybrid engine): The Cobalt averages 

24 mpg with an annual fuel cost (estimated 

12K miles at $4/gallon) of $2,000. The Prius 

averages 44 mpg with an annual fuel cost of 

$1,100. Annual savings: $900. 

Sleep Green 

More than 200 properties across Florida have 

earned the Green Lodging designation since 

the program began in 2004, and almost 400 

applications are pending. Turn to Page 30 to 

read about Bay County’s fi rst (and currently 

only) hotel with this designation. 

Meet Green 

Here are some ways to “green” your business 

meetings: 

l Ditch the unnecessary waste. Big 

corporate meetings often involve trays of 

bottled water and styrofoam cups for coffee 

- both of which create unnecessary amounts 

of waste. Instead, ask for pitchers of water 

to be set out on the table, and use real 

glasses and coffee cups for drinking. 

l Use edible centerpieces. Centerpieces 

that consist of delicious fruits and veggies 

are a smart way to cut back on the cost and 

waste of expensive fl ower arrangements. 

Many fl orists fl y in their products from all 

over the world, wasting and adding to their 

carbon footprint. 

l Have a paperless meeting. In today’s 

era of technology, paper has become a thing 

of the past. Use PowerPoint and other technological 

advancements in order to have an 

entirely paperless meeting. You can email 

a list of the important points to associates 

before the meeting so everyone can follow 

along easily. 

Going Green with Your Pets 

What are some great ways to leave smaller 

carbon paw prints on the Earth and save 

Continued on Page 18 

What is EcoDriving? 

Simple Solutions to Increase Mileage and Reduce Your Fuel Cost 

Faced with high fuel prices and concerns about the environment, we could all use 

a few simple ways to save money at the gas pump and reduce our carbon footprint. 

EcoDriving is a way for drivers to learn how small changes in their driving habits can 

add up to big savings at the pump and big reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. 

EcoDriving provides easy tips for getting the most mileage out of your vehicle. No 

matter what you drive, by following a set of subtle and easy-to-use best practices for 

driving and vehicle maintenance, a typical EcoDriver can improve mileage by about 

15 percent. EcoDriving is as simple as making small changes to your driving habits 

and adjusting your vehicle maintenance techniques. 

EcoDriving practices include: 

l Not tailgating, knowing the proper way to accelerate and brake, using synchronized 

traffi c lights to a driver’s advantage, driving at the optimum highway speed, understanding 

when to use air conditioning and much more. 

Maintenance practices include: 

l Knowing which motor oil to use, understanding the importance of proper tire pressure 

and what affects tire pressure, understanding aerodynamics and much more. 

When applied across the nation’s entire vehicle fl eet, the program’s benefi ts are 

potentially huge: 

l If just half of all drivers nationwide practiced moderate levels of EcoDriving, annual 

CO2 emissions could be reduced by about 100 million tons, or the equivalent of heating 

and powering 8.5 million households. 

l If all Americans practiced EcoDriving, it would be equal to 450 billion miles traveled 

on our roadways without generating any CO2 emissions. That’s 1,500 CO2-free 

miles for every man, woman, and child in the United States each year. 

To learn more visit EcoDrivingusa.com. 

Everything we have, wear, eat and 

use comes from the environment. 

Whether it is farmed and harvested, 

drilled and processed, or mined 

and manufactured, it comes from 

the environment. Our clothes, 

food, computers, phones, autos 

and fuel come from the planet. 

At the rate Americans currently consume goods and 

energy, we would need about 16 acres of land per 

person to provide the materials needed to produce it 

all. If everyone consumed like we did, we would need 

about four Earth’s worth of land. Four planets. 



money at the same time? Staff members 

of Breeze Animal Hospital, an animal 

veterinary clinic in Panama City Beach, 

share ideas on how to go green and save 

green with your pets. 

Spay or Neuter Your Pets 

What better way to go green with your 

pets than spaying and neutering? The 

greatest benefi ts of spaying and neutering 

include ensuring your pet’s health, 

population control and behavioral 

improvements. With the astounding pet 

overpopulation problem in this country, 

spaying and neutering is the primary 

step to the solution. Health benefi ts for 

your pets include decreased incidence 

of mammary tumors, ovarian / uterine 

cancer in female pets and prostate problems 

in male pets; thereby increasing 

their lifespan. 

Adopt From a Shelter 

In addition to preventing pet overpopulation 

by spaying and neutering, owners 

can continue to combat the growth 

problem by adopting a pet from the 

local shelter. Not only are you saving a life, 

you save money by spending much less on 

a shelter pet than you would on a pet purchased 

from a breeder or from a pet store. 

Protect Wildlife 

Protect wildlife and your pets by using a 

leash and maintaining control of your pets. 

Unleashed dogs can potentially chase, injure 

or kill wildlife. Maintaining control of your 

pets prevents an expensive trip to the veterinary 

emergency room, since uncontrolled 

dogs are at risk against encounters with 

snakes, skunks and even poisonous plants. 

Even if you have a fenced in yard, opt to 

leash walk your dog in order to prevent the 

countless possibilities he/she can get into if 

not controlled at all times. 

Cats are instinctive hunters, and if allowed 

to roam outdoors, they will inevitably hunt 

and kill wildlife. Keeping cats indoors not 

only protects wildlife, it also protects your 

cat. Statistically, cats live longer, healthier 

lives if kept strictly indoors, in addition to 

providing them with ample exercise and 

activities with owners in order to prevent 

obesity. 


Eco and Sustainable 

Tourism 

What is Ecotourism? 

ENVIRONMENT 

ECO 

TOURISTS 

HISTORY 

& CULTURE ECONOMICS 

Ecotourism is “responsible travel to natural 

areas that conserves the environment and 

sustains the well-being of local people.” 

Sometimes it is defi ned as a sub-category of 

sustainable tourism. 

It includes an interpretation/learning experience, 

is delivered to small groups by smallscale 

businesses, and stresses local ownership, 

particularly for rural people. 

What is the difference 

between Ecotourism and 

nature-based travel? 

While nature-based tourism is just travel to 

natural places, ecotourism provides local 

benefi ts - environmentally, culturally and 

economically. A nature-based tourist may 

just go bird watching; an ecotourist goes bird 

watching with a local guide, stays in a locally 

operated ecolodge and contributes to the local 

economy. 

Where does Sustainable 

Tourism fi t in? 

Sustainable Tourism embraces all segments 

of the industry with guidelines and 

criteria that seek to reduce environmental 

impacts, particularly the use of nonrenewable 

resources, using measurable 

benchmarks, and to improve tourism’s 

contribution to sustainable development 

and environmental conservation 

Sustainable Ecotourism 

l Minimizes environmental impacts 

using benchmarks 

l Improves contribution to local sustainable 

development 

l Requires lowest possible consumption 

of non-renewable resources 

l Sustains the well-being of local 

people 

l Stresses local ownership 

l Supports efforts to conserve the 

environment 

l Contributes to biodiversity 

Build Green 

Getting LEED (Leadership in Energy 

and Environmental Designs) certifi ed is a 

relatively new idea in the state of Florida, but 

the concept is spreading. The fi rst LEEDcertifi 

ed commercial building in the state 

was recently completed, a 130,000 square 

foot, multi-tenant structure in Broward 

County. The City of Orlando recently built 

a new LEED-certifi ed fi re station. A new 

green city is being planned at the historic 

Babcock Ranch (between Charlotte and Lee 

Counties); 91,000 acres were purchased, 

with 74,000 sold back to the state of Florida 

for preservation. Over the next 20 years a 

multi-generational Ecopolitan Community 

will be forged for 45,000 residents. In 

Osceola County plans are underway for an 

11,000-acre “environmentally intelligent” 

community. 

The new Panama City-Bay County 

International Airport at West Bay, scheduled 

for completion May of 2010, will be the fi rst 

fully green airport in the U.S. (and the fi rst 

international airport built since Denver) with 

a silver LEED rating. Sustainable materials 

will be optimized in building it, and 41,000 

acres of land in West Bay will be preserved 

because of this project.


In all fairness, it’s virtually impossible to 

eliminate our carbon footprints completely. 

But there are numerous,simple 

things we can do to lessen our 

adverse impact on the atmosphere. 

April Schuette, journalist 

Reduce Your Carbon 

Footprints 

You may not be able to see it but everywhere 

you go, everything you do leaves a 

footprint of your actions – a footprint that 

is adversely effecting our environment. 

It’s called a carbon footprint: 

The measure of the 

amount of carbon dioxide 

that goes into the atmosphere 

by doing everyday 

activities. 

It’s also known as global warming. In fact, 

there is virtually nothing you do that doesn’t 

leave a carbon trace. Driving a car, making 

your morning coffee, taking a shower, and 

the list goes on. While you may think that 

the traces of one person can’t really make 

that much of a difference, consider your 

footprint along with the millions of others in 

the country. The result: an environment that 

continues to weaken from the residue of our 

simple, seemingly harmless daily tasks. 

In all fairness, it’s virtually impossible to 

eliminate our carbon footprints completely, 

but there are numerous, simple things we 

can do to lessen our adverse impact on 

the atmosphere. For example, electricity 

production is one of the biggest sources 

of carbon dioxide emissions. To counter 

this effect you can turn off your electronics 

when not in use; use the dryer less and 

hang clothes up to dry; take shorter showers; 

change the air fi lter in your home; recycle! 

Two and a half million single plastic water 

bottles are thrown away everyday in the 

U.S. Why not reuse those bottles by refi lling 

them? You might also consider driving 

less by carpooling, taking public transportation 

or riding your bike when possible. We 

can make a difference...and it starts with 

you. 

Green Your 

Skin Routine 

Did you know that women 

can absorb nearly 130 chemicals daily 

through average skin care routines? Or 

that a woman will absorb up to 4lbs of 

lipstick in her lifetime? Granted, the FDA 

assures us that these chemicals are safe 

in small doses, but experts continually 

test products to maintain that guarantee. 

Then again, Mother Nature has never 

had to rely on a team of experts to 

research and monitor the effects of her 

products on our skin - nor on the earth 

itself. Besides, if natural treatments 

were the source of Cleopatra’s legendary 

beauty, then it is certainly worth a try! 

Taking the time to mix your own 

face cream or deep conditioner 

isn’t as convenient as purchasing the 

high-priced, nicely packaged products, 

but not only can it save you money, think 

of all the mystery chemicals your skin 

won’t be absorbing, not to mention the 

added waste in your trash can. 

For example, you can create wonderful 

skin lotions with honey and lemon 

juice; sugar is a great exfoliator and 

makes skin glow; olive oil is an excellent 

ingredient for soaking your nails or deep 

conditioning your hair. 

Other food sources that are safe and 

benefi cial for skin are eggs, yogurt, 

avocados, bananas. Need an acne 

fi ghting toner? Try green tea! 

Here’s a simple face 

mask recipe to try at home: 

l 1 tsp. natural yogurt 

(don’t use non-fat or low fat) 

l 1 tsp. runny honey 

(heat up to soften if necessary) 

Mix together and apply to face. Let it sit for 

15 minutes then wash off with warm water. 

The result is naturally smooth and healthy 

skin…just as Mother Nature intended. 

Sustainable 

Practices 

The issue of sustainable practices 

and materials is a 

complex one, to say the least. In a nutshell, it 

refers to the mindfulness and consideration 

of the long-term threat posed by the chemical 

and biological impacts on the ecosystem. 

Simply put, sustainable materials reduce 

waste and pollution by using more energy 

effi cient electricity and improving air quality, as 

well as by recycling construction and demolition 

materials rather than sending them to a 

landfi ll. Likewise, sustainable practices are 

those actions taken to preserve and protect 

the environment for future generations. 

Buying local and in bulk, conserving energy, 

driving less, and recycling are fundamental 

tenets of the entire “green” movement. The 

steps we take today will make a world of 

difference tomorrow. 



No Child Left 

Inside 

By Linda Macbeth 

A friend of mine recently told 

me stories about growing up 

here in the great northwest in 

the 1950s. Her experiences 

were in such stark contrast to 

those of today’s children. If 

current research about the 

importance of natural environments 

to healthy child growth 

and development is to be believed, 

it may be wise to think 

a bit about how the lives of children 

have changed so dramatically 

in the last 40+ years and 

how we might recreate some of 

what my friend and her buddies 

took for granted. 

My friend reminisced that the 

sound of the screen door slamming 

as the fi rst kid shot out the 

backdoor on a summer morning 

was the siren song for the other 

neighborhood kids to escape 

their cozy homes and begin 

their outdoor adventures for the 

day. Many moms and dads didn’t expect to 

see them again until dinner time or at least 

until lunch time. Kids were free to roam 

around with various degrees of freedom -- 

depending on age and ability -- to ride their 

bikes, paddle their boats or otherwise play in 

the rivers and bayous, build forts, make up 

plays, stage circuses, squirt each other with 

hoses, pelt each other with pinecones, climb 

trees, collect crickets or worms for fi shing 

trips or just run wildly – and often nosily -- 

around their beautiful big natural world. 

Children were responsible for entertaining 

themselves and free to work out the complex 

social interactions necessary to survive 

and enjoy life with each other. They developed 

elaborate strategies for launching and 

provisioning expeditions and adventures of 

every description. They were attuned to the 

weather which in those years often meant 

the predictable 3:00 PM thundershower. 

They knew when it was high tide and where 

the fi ddler crabs hid. They knew where the 

best bamboo patches were (think fort building, 

poking things and, of course, fi shing 


Part of the plan for the proposed 

Audubon Center at West 

Bay is to provide children with 

direct experiences with nature 

through after school programs, 

environmental classes, fi eld 

trips and summer day camp. 

poles). They knew which trees were easiest 

to climb and which ones had contributed 

to bumps and sprains. They knew which 

snakes to give a wide berth and which ones 

were just a part of the landscape. They were 

familiar with the best fl owers to take home 

and which peas and beans could be used in 

peashooters without killing them if swallowed. 

And, of course, they knew which 

mom might be willing to make the whole 

crowd peanut butter and jelly sandwiches 

for lunch. All in all there was a lot to being 

responsible for one’s own day. 

According to studies summarized by the 

Children, Youth and Environments Center 

for Research and Design at the University 

of Colorado (cudenver.edu/cye), and 

beautifully documented in ‘Last Child in the 

Woods’ by Richard Louv (and many other 

recent studies and texts), it is important 

for children to spend 

time in natural settings 

and to engage in more 

creative play. These works cite 

physical gains; emotional gains; longer at- 

tention span; increased creativity 

as well as heightened appreciation 

and enjoyment of the natural 

world. This benefi cial relationship 

intuitively seems true, but 

so many realities in our modern 

society make those ‘50s sort of 

experiences hard to recreate. No 

need to recite the litany of circumstances 

making it impossible 

to turn our children “out for the 

day,” but given the importance of 

connecting children with nature 

throughout their growing years, 

it seems critical to fi nd ways to 

make that connection. 

Part of the plan for the proposed 

Audubon Center at West Bay is 

to provide children with direct 

experiences with nature through 

after school programs, environmental 

classes, fi eld trips and 

summer day camp. We are currently 

in the process of planning 

Center activities and would like 

to hear from parents who might 

be interested in having their children 

participate and/or who are 

interested in volunteering to help 

with children’s programs. If there is enough 

interest to make these programs viable, we 

will assure that they are part of our overall 

effort. 

For more information and to share your 

input, contact Linda Macbeth, Project 

Manager at Audubon Center at West Bay, at 

lmacbeth@audubon.org. 

Are You 

Connected 

to the Beach? 

Advertise your business in 

THE CIRCUIT. 

Rates & Information: 

Cyndi Answorth 

850.691.6259 

Cyndi@PCBeach.org


Nature, in the form of trees and 

animals, is a necessary ingredient 

for human happiness. 

Linda Macbeth, Project Manager 

Audubon Center at West Bay 

Living on the Wild Side 

The amazing secret of our forgotten coast is 

out. Now it is our responsibility to protect 

what makes it so special. Keeping a sense 

of place is a challenge as our population 

increases and green space is taken up. 

Conservation of 

existing wild areas 

is of course vital, 

but we also need 

to look at our own 

back yards and 

gardens. Using 

native plants in 

our home landscapes 

not only preserves the sense of place 

but it also encourages wildlife, conserves 

water and - with a good design - requires 

less time and energy. 

Encouraging habitat diversity 

on your property will attract 

many varieties of butterfl ies, 

birds, and animals. Opportunities 

for wildlife homes often 

literally get thrown away in 

our zeal to keep our yards as 

clean as our houses. Tree cavities and small 

brush piles are homes to many great critters. 

Woodpeckers, owls, ducks, bluebirds, fl ying 

squirrels are all animals that need dead trees 

and limbs to live 

in. Try to keep 

some in your 

garden. Let there 

be some wildness 

and creativity! 

Leaving leaf litter 

and other mulch 

will encourage 

earthworms and insects which are always 

working tilling your garden for you and also 

are food for the higher species. So don’t bag 

your debris and send it to the landfi ll. Put it 

to work, and use it to grow your garden. 

Planting native perennial and annual fl owers 

will attract butterfl ies, hummingbirds, 

and other pollinators, 

bringing hours of joy and 

fascination. Remember too that 

before they break out into glorious 

wings they will be crawling around 

nibbling on things. 

Make sure not to use 

pesticides and herbicides when 

there might be babies around! 

Be really wild! Don’t mow! 

Allowing sections of your 

lawn to become meadow and 

over seeding with wild fl owers 

is easy and quickly becomes 

natural groundcover that encourages many 

small mammals and herptiles, including 

frogs, lizards, turtles and yes, even snakes. 

All Gods critters 

have a place in the 

choir! Layering 

vegetation is a 

key to providing 

both beauty and 

habitat in your 

home landscape. 

Providing water through fountains, misters 

and simple bird baths is one of the most successful 

bird attractants you can have. Make 

sure that your water source is shallow, three 

feet off the ground, and with 

a roughish and sloped 

bottom. Dripping water 

in shady areas is also a 

huge attractant for birds. 

Nature - in the form of 

trees and animals - is a 

necessary ingredient for 

human happiness. 

There are over 1200 species of plants 

native to Bay County. These are my 

top sixteen. They are all beautiful, 

commercially available, easy to grow, 

and they create food and/or habitat for our 

dearest and wilder neighbors. 

Trees 

Live Oak, Southern Magnolia, Sabal Palm 

Shrubs: Oak Leaf Hydrangea, Wax Myrtle, 

Beauty Berry, Wild Azalea, Saw Palmetto, 

Yaupon Holly 

Groundcover 

Beach Sunfl ower, Purple Cone Flower, 

Blanket Flower, Blazing Star 

Vines 

Coral Honeysuckle, Carolina Jessamine, 

Trumpet Vine 

Visit AudubonatHome.org for more tips on 

how to make your yard friendly. Audubon 

Center at West Bay will be hosting a Backyard 

Habitat Workshop this fall. Contact 

ACWB Project Manager, Linda Macbeth at 

lmacbeth@audubon.org for more details. 



“Fallingwaters,” designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, was a “green” dwelling before the term was 

ever coined. For more information on the USGBC contact Janis Boatright at (850) 866-9918. 

The Greening of the Emerald Coast 

By Janis Boatright 

Everywhere you look. Everything you read. It’s on the televison. 

It’s the topic of conversation around the watercooler, and it’s the 

cause for debate at the dinner table. Everyone is talking about 

“Going Green.” 

There is one organization at the forefront of education and awareness 

called the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This non-profi t 

organization boasts over 17,000 members across the U.S. and abroad. 

Their membership is diverse, from stay at home moms to general contractors, 

architects, educators and every profession in between. The 

mission is simple: To gain education and to educate the public and the 

building trade on how to make a building “Green.” 

The USGBC promotes sustainability in how buildings are designed, 

built and operated. The USGBC is best known for the development of 

the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating 

system and Greenbuild, a green building conference that promotes 

the green building industry, including environmentally responsible 

materials, sustainable architecture techniques and public policy. 

On a local level there are two USGBC Chapters; one in Tallahssee 

and one in Pensacola. Local members are working to form a 

Branch to serve Bay, Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Local Realtor 

Janis Boatright, who is organizing the Branch effort, explained it as 

an ability to access the best resources 

and education in the industry for the 

creation of sustainable homes, buildings 

and communities. 

“We have had tremendous support from the community, and we especially 

appreciate our local educators for coming on board with the 

USGBC,” she said. “There is potential for creating 

an entirely new industry surrounding 

sustainability, and it is exciting that our educational leaders 

such as Dr. Jim Kerley are taking an active role.” 

“The green movement at Gulf Coast Community College is gaining 

momentum as we’re exploring new ideas,” said Dr. Jim Kerley, 

GCCC President. “The ideas range from saving money through the 

use of more energy effi cient means all the way to the planning and 

design of our new Advanced Technology Center.” 


Go Green For Your Body 

Greenifying is a Lifestyle. 

The world is going green to help preserve 

the environment. We have realized that 

taking advantage of our resources is not only 

unwise, but unhealthy. However, most 

people continue to neglect 

their most important resource, 

their body. The owners 

of Gold’s Gym have devised a plan to help 

people “Go Green for their Body.” The program 

is a comprehensive plan that combines 

nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes to 

help individuals maintain optimal health. Just like the planet, our 

bodies also need conservation and preservation. The “Go Green 

For Your Body” program at Gold’s Gym can provide you with the 

education to go green for the health of you and your family. 

l Get motivated...more effi cient workouts and increased energy. 

l Commit to training with a friend or personal trainer. They 

can help provide you with the strength to keep you going. 

l Eat right...proper fuel = plenty of energy. Just imagine eating 

more, having tons of energy, and actually getting leaner each day. 

l Use supplements. Protein supplementation, fat burners, vitamins 

and minerals all help maximize your body’s effi ciency. 

A healthy body looks great, combats disease and operates more efficiently. 

GO GREEN 

AT BILL BYRD KIA 

Go Green at Bill Byrd Kia and 

Save $1,000’s on Gas 

...like R. Samual Chambers of Panama City Beach! 

Mr. Chambers gets 42 MPG 

around town, and 49 MPG on a 

recent round trip to Montgomery, 

Alabama in his new 2008 Rio. 

Bill Byrd Kia 2435 E. 15th Street, Panama City (850) 872-0444

GOING GREEN 

CHAMBER MEMBERS SHARE HOW THEY HELP OUR ENVIRONMENT 

Members Are Saying... 

Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals in Panama City Beach 

recognizes the need to be responsible in the environment 

and within our business. While continually developing 

plans to be “greener” with our business practices, we have 

already implemented a guest awareness plan for 2009. By giving 

reusable grocery bags to our guests in the Panama City Beach 

area, we hope to make a positive impact on them during their 

vacation to the beach, as well as back home. Embracing the 

green initiative can help us all as individuals, collectively and 

globally. 

Patricia Hardiman, 

Southern Resorts Vacation Rentals 

We purchased a Compost Bin from Sam’s. All coffee 

grounds, including fi lters, tea bags, veggie peels, corn 

husks, some old news paper, any grass clippings, go 

in. Everyday something is added. We bring all plastic, aluminum, 

newspaper, and cardboard to recycle bins behind the fi rehouse at 

least weekly. 

August Berry, Optimist Club 

Our focus for the future of Panama City Beach will best 

be spent on cleaning up the beach area and getting side 

walks, bike trails, golf cart lane approval and jogging 

lanes or trails for public access. This will increase community 

or social involvement and increase healthy activities in the 

community while decreasing traffi c. I know that less pollution, 

less traffi c, and safer streets with beautiful landscaping, sidewalks 

that have curb appeal will make the greenest statement we can 

make for the future of Panama City Beach. 

Kimberly Mullin, American Red Cross 

Community Development 

The Beaches Chamber is going green! We now use ecofriendly 

chemicals for cleaning the building. We recycle all 

of our garbage to include plastic, paper, cardboard aluminum 

and tin. We order recycled copy paper and envelopes, toilet 

paper and paper towels. We have fi lters in our air-conditioners that 

eco-friendly approved and our door mats are “green approved.” 

All of our light bulbs are conservation approved, and we have 

light switches that turn off automatically in unoccupied offi ces. 

Beth Oltman, Beaches Chamber 

LOCAL GREEN PRACTICES 

We installed a ceramic coating called temp-coat on our 

restaurant’s roof. Used by NASA, it refl ectes 85% of 

the sun rays, thus lowering the inside temperature in 

the building dramatically. We invested over $40,000 and expect 

a two-year payback on utility bills, not to mention customer and 

employee comfort in the summer months. Visit temp-coat.com. 

Bill Buskell, Pineapple Willy’s 

East Bay Eco-Tours (eastbayecotours.com) mission 

statement is “Where fun is foremost, and respect for the 

environment is both taught and practiced.” I hope to 

keep 85% of my company using only alternative and renewable 

energy, in a self sustaining neighborhood. This type of business 

is already up and running now! 

Robert E. Denton, BS, MRE, EdS, US Coastguard 

Captain, Licensed Florida Master Naturalist 

By eliminating the need to continually replace cartridges, 

Kyocera’s ECOSYS printers do their part in helping 

reduce environmental waste – an added benefi t for 

companies looking to enhance their environmental initiatives. 

“E-waste” is a term used for waste generated from technology 

products, and includes toner cartridges, computers, monitors, 

etc. This waste has been going to China and S.E. Asia in 

tremendous volumes, creating severe conditions in towns 

where this waste is handled. 

As Asia creates tougher restrictions on the importing of 

e-waste, more empty cartridges will remain in the U.S. and end 

up in landfi lls. Each cartridge with an average weight of 2.5 lbs 

is made primarily of industrial grade plastic that takes 1,000 

years to degrade. Every year the aftermarket imaging supplies 

industry reclaims over 42,000 tons of empty toner cartridges 

that would have otherwise been diverted to landfi lls. 

ECOSYS printers include a durable imaging system using 

long-life drums, Organic Photoconductor (OPC) and Kyocera’s 

patented Amorphous Silicon (ASi), capable of handling up to 

hundreds of thousands of prints. These long-lasting drums 

are distinctly separate from the toner, eliminating the need to 

replace the drum when toner is depleted. By utilizing Kyocera’s 

proprietary ECOSYS Technology, businesses can typically 

recoup a printer’s purchase price in one-year or less. 

Jason, Reliable Copy Products 


Neighborhood Deals 

Take Advantage of these Great Specials This Fall! 

Neighborhood 

DealS! 

www.bythesearesorts.com 

888-627-0625 

15% Off 

Regular Rates 

Bring in a canned good between 11/11/08 and 

12/25/08 and get 15% off regular rates. 

Canned good will be donated to the Panama City 

Rescue Mission. One discount per room per 

stay. May not be combined with other offers. 

Subject to availability. Certain restrictions apply. 

Neighborhood 

DealS! 

Buy One Pass 

Get One 1/2 Off 

Our Regular 20-Visit Pass is valued at $65. 

Bring in this coupon from now until 12/31/08 

to receive your Neigh-borhood Deal. 

Expires 12/31/08 

Neighborhood 

DealS! 

Free Regular 

Soft Drink with 

Any Size Pizza 

Bring this coupon in from now until 12/31/08 

to receive your Neighborhood Deal. 



Neighborhood 

DealS! 

$100 Off on 

Move-In Cost 

for 6-Month Lease 

Offer good 11/1/08 to 12/31/08. Lease is 

$225 per week (six-month lease required) 

with $200 deposit and $50 non-refundable 

application fee. 

Neighborhood 

DealS! 

Buy One Sandwich or 

Salad...Get One for 

1/2 Price 

50% off second sandwich or salad with 

purchase of same plus drinks. 


Neighborhood 

DealS! 

at Pier Park at Pier Park 

15% Off 

Excluding Tax, Tip 

and Alcohol 




Neighborhood 

DealS! 

2 For $3 

Monday: Original Chicken Sandwich 

Wednesday: WHOPPER® Sandwich 

Friday: BK BIG FISH® Sandwich 

Sales tax applicable. Good at participating 

BURGER KING® restaurants in Panama 

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Neighborhood 

DealS! 

$5 Lunches at 

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Purchase 

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Good while supplies last. Some restrictions 

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discount. Good in all stores that accept 

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Expires 12/31/08

COMMUNITY 

NEW FLATS FISHING OUTFITTER PLAYS ON NICKNAME OF REGION 

Two local fi shing enthusiasts decided to pair their 

love of redfi shing with the growing popularity of 

the sport by launching a new company, Redfi sh 

Riviera, Inc. The outfi tters dedicated to the sport 

of redfi shing, created by Paul Wohlford and Steve 

Bailey, sells a wide range of 

apparel and specialty items to 

sportsmen and families. In 

addition, the company educates 

consumers about the sport of 

redfi shing, provides information 

about redfi sh tournaments and 

locations, and connects anglers 

with one another. 

The name plays on a well-know 

nickname for the Gulf Coast 

region as the “Redneck Riviera.” 

Wohlford, president of the 

company, said the idea was born during a Tourist Development 

Council meeting when they were discussing upcoming redfi sh 

tournament sponsorship opportunities. Steve Bailey, CEO of 

the company, and Wohlford trademarked the name, and Redfi sh 

Riviera, Inc. became offi cial in April 2008. 

“Since then, we have been approached to cast the name on 

restaurants and lodges,” said Wohlford of the popular name. “I 

don’t know where the applications will go in the future. We are 

focused on growing the company at this point, and expanding 

our reach to retailers, outfi tters, marinas and resorts across the 

southeast. The early results have exceeded our expectations. 

Maybe that’s because redfi shing is the fastest growing segment 

of sports fi shing, and is said to be approaching bass fi shing in 

terms of popularity.” 

The Redfi sh Riviera spans the shores of Brownsville, Texas, 

along the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic coast of Florida, up to 

Surf City, NC. The sport has gained popularity in recent years 

and has spawned into a sportsman’s ‘must do.’ According to the 

Inshore Fishing Association’s website “inshore fi sheries have 

fl ourished much quicker than anyone could have imagined since 

the banning of netting.” The redfi sh or red drum has become one 

of the most sought after fi sh on the Gulf and Atlantic shores. 

“It has really grown into a household name to sportsmen 

throughout the country,” says Bailey. “It is a very eco and family 

Redfish Riviera 

IN PANAMA CITY BEACH 

friendly sport, too. With fuel prices the way they are, this is not 

the kind of fi shing you have to run offshore seventy miles to do. 

It’s all inshore, and state laws regulate fi shermen to size and bag 

limit. Redfi sh are a very protected species.” 

Primarily an inshore fi sh, the average redfi sh weighs from 6 to 12 

pounds, but can weigh up to 50 

pounds. Redfi sh are a bottomfeeding, 

schooling species 

common along the Gulf and 

Atlantic Coasts. Typically 

located on fl ats, redfi sh can 

also be caught in reefs, bays 

and marshes. 

They live in shallow water and 

can be recognized by a dark 

spot on the tail. They became 

trendy as a food fi sh after 

being offered as blackened redfi sh in New Orleans restaurants 

and became popular as a game fi sh as more former bass anglers 

got turned on to inshore saltwater fi shing. 

Redfi sh Riviera, Inc. has already grabbed the attention of major 

networks and tournament organizers in their short time of 

existence. Wohlford and Bailey recently accepted an invite to 

join a crew of the Oh Boy! Oberto Redfi sh Cup Pro-Am Team. 

They will partner with a Redfi sh Cup Professional Angler and 

fi sh the fl ats of Pensacola in the Pro-Am Tournament. The event 

is being televised on ESPN2 and ESPN Outdoors. 

Bailey said they are thrilled to have the opportunity to promote 

their new company on a national platform. “We’ll see where it 

takes us,” said Bailey. “It’s a great opportunity for us and we are 

excited to be part of it.” 

Redfi sh Riviera, Inc. promotes the major redfi sh tours and 

their tournaments. They also sponsor a team, Team Redfi sh 

Riviera, who recently claimed a top 10 fi nish at the IFA Redfi sh 

Tournament presented by Cabela’s in Navarre Beach, FL. 

“Down the road we hope to expand by offering guide services, 

restaurant and accommodation partners, as well as introducing 

redfi shing to new anglers” said Wohlford. “Really, with the way 

this sport is growing, the possibilities are endless.” For more 

information on Redfi sh Riviera, to view tournament schedules 

or to purchase merchandise visit redfi shriviera.com. 


Sitting Down With MEL PONDER of Coastal Vision 3000 

What are the things hospitality businesses can 

do to show a regional brand and image to our 

visitors? 

By having hospitality businesses come together under a unified 

branded identity, such as THE Beach, it makes a huge impact. When 

we band together we have a strong voice and great impact. The more 

support the brand gets, the more credibility and reach our region will 

have, which will result in more visitors learning about and ultimately 

visiting our area. The best way to support the regional brand is by 

partnering with THE Beach as a member, creating a sense of arrival 

for guests to our region, and incorporating the marketing efforts of 

THE Beach with that of your company. 


Northwest Florida can count its beaches, wide open spaces 

and people as its greatest assets...our region’s integrity and core 

values are the basis of our sweet tea hospitality. Our beautiful 

coastline comprises a strip of unique (and somewhat unrelated) beach 

There is one thing that unites us all, however, 

and that is the beach itself. 

Through Coastal Vision 3000, how do you see 

Ten years? 

I see many great things coming for our region in the next 5-10 years. 

New air service, both domestically and internationally, which will allow 

us to reach new segments of tourists. We will also be able to 

reach these tourists through vacation packages and tour operators. 

Economic development will occur, not only with new businesses 

coming and expanding to our region, but we’ll begin to attract international 

business. I believe our ports will also begin to see higher 

traffic in the coming years. As our region and THE Beach become 

more recognized, we will truly make a name for ourselves nationally 

and internationally. 

What do you see are our area’s greatest assets? 

The greatest asset of our region is the kind of people that work and 

live here. We are honest, with strong values and integrity. Visitors 

can’t help but notice our sincere Southern Hospitality when visiting 

THE Beach. Other assets are obviously our unspoiled, sugar-white 

beaches, our wildlife and natural surroundings, such as our bays, 

lakes and animal preserves and sanctuaries. 

Market? 

Yes- we will be looking carefully into the United Kingdom, Germany, 

Canada and Mexico. With the guidance of VisitFlorida, we’ve 

decided that our region has the greatest potential at reaching these 

markets and influencing these International travelers to visit our re- 

gion. 

Many 

of 

these 

Internatio 

nal 

markets 

are 

very 

relational 

. That 

being said, we’ll begin to establish and strengthen relationships now, 

in hopes of bringing in these travelers within the next few years. 

What will you do to partner with and break into 

that market? 

Coastal Vision 3000 will participate in travel and tourism trade shows 

abroad in an effort to establish relations. We are also working closely 

with the British American Chamber of Commerce in Orlando. Orlando 

has great ties with Great Britain, and we’ll look to them for guidance 

in this field. We’ve also had initial dialogue with local representatives 

from the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce, who 

are looking into our region being a host site for their Entrepreneurial 

Days in Spring 2010 or 2011. 

� � � 

Ingredients 

� Extra virgin olive oil for 

brushing, plus 1/4 cup 

� 1 baguette, cut crosswise 

into 1/4-inch-thick slices 

� Salt and coarsely ground 

pepper, to taste 

� 8 vine-ripened tomatoes, 

about 1 1/2 lb. total 

� 1/2 cup slivered fresh basil 

leaves 

� 2 Tbs. finely minced red 

onion 

� 1/4 tsp. minced garlic 

� 1 Tbs. aged balsamic 

vinegar 

� 1 1/2 lb. fresh mozzarella 

Directions 

Preheat an oven to 350°F. 

Brush a baking sheet with 

olive oil and arrange the 

baguette slices on the sheet in 

a single layer. Brush the tops 

with oil, and season with salt 

and pepper. Bake until crisp 

and golden, 15 to 18 minutes. 

Mel Ponder is the 

Executive Director of 

Coastal Vision 3000, 

thebeach�a.com 

� Holiday Crostini 

If not using immediately, let 

the crostini cool, then store in 

an airtight container at room 

temperature until ready to use. 

Core, seed and dice the 

tomatoes. In a bowl, stir 

together the tomatoes, half 

of the basil, the onion, garlic, 

vinegar, the 1/4 cup olive oil, 

salt and pepper. 

Slice the mozzarella into 

1/4-inch-thick pieces or into 

smaller pieces so they fit on 

the crostini. To assemble, lay 

a piece of mozzarella on each 

crostini and spoon 1 to 2 Tbs. 

of the tomato salad on top. 

Garnish each with a pinch of 

the remaining basil. Serve 

immediately. Serves 8.

HOLIDAYS 

‘Tis the 

Season to be jolly… fa la la la la, la la 

la la. The holidays are fi lled with parties! 

You’ve got offi ce parties, family parties, 

school parties, as well as, clubs and organizations with which 

you are affi liated. It can make for a very busy and frustrating 

time of year. If you are responsible for a holiday party this year, 

we have some tips to help you stay stress-free this season. 

The Budget... 

It’s a must to plan early, as the 

holiday season will be upon 

you faster than you know it. 

The budget, location, date, 

and menu are the fi rst items 

you should address. The 

key to your party’s success 

is your budget, so, set it and 

stick to it. Write down the 

items you want to have and 

estimate a realistic cost next to 

it, including everything from 

ice to centerpieces. If you’re 

planning to have your party at 

a venue other than your home, 

you will need to reserve and 

confi rm the date, because the 

earlier you reserve your venue, 

the greater your chance to have 

the date and time you prefer. 

The Guests... 

Remember, the more the 

merrier, is not always true… 

make your guest list realistic of the number of people 

Soirees This Season 

BY LISA & CO. 

Above: Crostini are an 

excellent way to showcase 

fresh seasonal 

ingredients. This simple 

combination of ripe tomatoes, 

basil and mozzarella 

cheese makes 

a perfect beginning to 

an alfresco meal (recipe 

on facing page). Right: 

Curried Chicken Satay 

combines fl avors of coconut, 

fresh cilantro and 

a curry powder made 

from up to 20 spices. 

you can accommodate. Consider the size of the location, 

as well as the fact some of your guests will bring a friend or 

two without informing you in advance. Set your date and time 

and send out your invitations with information such as theme, 

dress code, ability to bring guests, children allowed, etc. The 

earlier you send the invitations the better, as your guests will be 

receiving many party invitations and you don’t want them to 

have other plans on the date of your event. You should also ask 

them to RSVP, so you can have an idea of the number of people 

attending which will facilitate the planning of your menu. 

TIPS FOR STRESS-FREE HOLIDAY PARTIES 

The Food... 

Now the fun part begins…planning your menu and thinking 

about food, because a party is good food…whether it is 

delicious hors d’oeuvres or a fabulous meal. If your budget 

will allow, consider having your party catered. This will 

take a lot of stress off of you and you will have more time to 

enjoy your event while being the best host/hostess possible. 

Additionally, you may want to consider 

hiring wait staff and a bartender during 

your event to assist you with serving and 

cleaning up. It is important to plan and 

purchase your special beverages early, as 

supplies may run short as you get closer 

to the holidays. The very essence of the 

holiday season excites our senses…sounds, 

smells, and tastes, bring back wonderful 

memories of holidays past. So when you 

are hosting a party, you want to create 

an exciting as well as 

relaxing environment 

for your guests. Simple 

decorations can turn your 

home or venue into a 

virtual wonderland for 

holiday revelers. Set the 

mood with holiday music 

and candles sparkling 

throughout the house. 

Personalize the night with 

a special activity, such as 

inviting your guests to 

write a holiday wish in a 

guest book or ask them 

to join you in singing 

Christmas Carols. 

As in life, little details make a difference, and we hope 

our suggestions help make your party an event to remember. 

It should be original, enjoyable and unforgettable, 

not only for your guests, but for you as well. Good luck 

and if we can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to call. 

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! 

Lisa Dallas, Founding Partner 

(850) 588-8888 


� 

Member News 

By The Sea Resorts Thinks 

Green on the Emerald Green 

This fall, By The Sea Resorts will renovate 

two of its three hotels, Legacy and 

Beachbreak, (the third is Beachcomber by 

the Sea) while demonstrating a commitment 

to green initiatives. 

“Working with a refi nishing company out of 

Alpharetta, Georgia, we’ll be refurbishing 

more than 1,800 pieces of functionallysound 

furniture instead of throwing them 

away,” commented General Manager Lee 

Ann Leonard. “It’s a cost-effective way 

to update rooms without damaging the 

environment.” Leonard projects a savings 

of 80 percent compared to replacing existing 

furniture with new items. The refi nishing 

company, The Refi nishing Touch, estimates 

that one mature tree is cut down to make 

three hotel rooms of furniture. Once 

that furniture becomes worn, many hotel 

operators dump it into landfi lls. 

Furthering the recycling efforts, By The Sea 

Resorts participates in the Panama City Rescue 

Mission’s Recycling Enterprise. The mission 


regularly collects aluminum cans, plastic 

bottles and other recyclables from collection 

bins surrounding the hotels’ pool decks. 

By The Sea Resorts started “going green” in 

2006, introducing compact fl uorescent light 

bulbs and a water conservation program. 

“We place signs in every room asking guests 

to help us conserve water and reduce the 

amount of detergent waste water by reusing 

bath towels,” said Director of Housekeeping 

Loretta Walker. “If guests choose to 

participate, they simply hang the towels 

on the rack instead of leaving them on the 

fl oor. We then wash the towels every three 

days instead of every day.” Walker said all 

linens are changed out upon guest check out. 

Walker guesses that about half of the travelers 

participate in the program. 

By The Sea Resorts will continually explore 

ways to reduce its carbon footprint. “As 

guests become more environmentally 

conscious, they will demand the same from 

hoteliers,” Leonard said. 

For more information call (888) 627-0625 or 

visit www.bythesearesorts.com. 

Beachside Fellowship Opens New Worship Center 

On September 14th, Beachside’s members and friends fi lled its new Worship Center, 

located at 17601 Ashley Drive on Panama City Beach, to capacity for a celebration marked 

by contemporary worship music and a dynamic message from guest speaker Pastor Steve 

Vaggalis of Destin. The innovative facility provides space for worship services, education and 

training, and community events. With a contemporary, welcoming worship style, emphasis 

on faith, and with inter-denominational appeal, Beachside Fellowship opens its’ doors to 

all. Senior Pastor Ramon Duvall leads the diverse congregation and teaches a relationship 

with God based on love and acceptance, without the trappings of religion. The new facility 

not only provides more room for this growing church family, but enables the expansion of 

its’community outreach. Reaching the beach with the love of God is the church’s primary 

goal. Says Duvall, “Beachside Fellowship is a place where we live to love, and love to live!” 

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES 

Established in Orlando in 1972, Bowyer- 

Singleton & Associates is a full-service civil 

engineering fi rm recognized around the state 

for its dedication to a higher level of excellence, 

providing clients with professional 

land development engineering and services, 

transportation engineering, environmental, 

and surveying and mapping services. 

As the company moves into its 36th year, it 

has adopted a new corporate identity to symbolize 

its vision of being a fi rm that embraces 

the latest technologies and practices while 

maintaining a high standard of excellence 

within the industry. 

The company opened its Panama City 

Beach offi ce in September 2006 providing 

its full range of services to land developers, 

transportation agencies, governmental agencies, 

engineering fi rms, builders and property 

owners throughout the Northwest Florida 

Panhandle. Since its opening, their local 

offi ce has managed transportation engineering 

projects for major roadway improvements 

including design projects in Jackson, 

Escambia, Okaloosa and Walton counties. 

Following that commitment to sustainable 

engineering practices, Bowyer-Singleton 

recently started the design for a replacement 

bridge in Calhoun County that stretches 

across a section of the Chipola River designated 

by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

as a “critical habitat.” Awarded the project 

contract from the Florida Department of 

Transportation (FDOT) District 3, Bowyer- 

Singleton will utilize a design and construction 

plan to replace the 70-year-old bridge 

that keeps all lanes of traffi c open during 

construction and that safely relocates any 

endangered mussels that could be affected by 

construction. 

Bowyer-Singleton looks forward to continuing 

its legacy of engineering excellence in 

the Northwest Florida region for another 36 

years.

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Member News 

Catch the Holiday Spirit at 

Pier Park! 

Pier Park will deck the halls this season with 

plenty of holiday cheer and entertainment. 

From Santa and special sales, to toy drives 

and caroling choirs, Pier Park is offering a 

variety of special holiday treats for the whole 

family. 

• November 1 – 30 

November Food Drive benefi tting Beach 

Care Services. Shoppers and visitors are 

encouraged to drop off canned and dry 

goods at bins located near the Santa house, 

between Smoothie King and Kilwin’s Chocolates 

& Ice Cream in the Boardwalk area. 

• November 15 – December 24 

Photos with Santa. Visit Santa at his holiday 

home and have your holiday photo taken 

with St. Nick! Santa photos are located in the 

Boardwalk area between Smoothie King and 

Kilwin’s Chocolates & Ice Cream. Santa will 

be available daily; hours and photo package 

pricing available at www.simon.com. 

• November 28, 9 am – 9 pm 

Black Friday, The Busiest Shopping Day 

of the Year. Holiday fun greets shoppers on 

FSU Panama City Hosts Bands by the Bay 

On November 19th at 6:30pm FSU Panama City will host an 

outdoor concert, Bands by the Bay, featuring Reed Waddle and 

J.C. Anderson. The FSU Student Government Council and 

Communication Club are joining together to host this inaugural 

Bands by the Bay concert event. 

J.C. Anderson is one of country music’s brightest shining stars. He 

was recently recognized as a fi nalist in the 2008 Next GAC Star 

competition and continues to earn the respect of fans worldwide. 

From country rock to upbeat contemporary sounds as a performer, 


“Black Friday” with festive activities, retailer 

sales and extended holiday hours. Retailer 

store hours may vary. 

At 6 pm Pier Park’s First Tree Lighting 

Ceremony in the Town Center area across 

from Old Navy. Santa will make his grand 

appearance arriving by the Pier Park Express 

into the Center. Santa’s special guest, Mayor 

Gayle Oberst, will accompany him and 

participate in Pier Park’s fi rst tree lighting at 

dusk. Guests will enjoy live entertainment 

and holiday festivities. 

• December 1 – 31 

December Toy Drive. Pier Park wants 

you to help us put a smile on the faces of 

Bay County children with our Holiday 

Toy Drive, benefi ting the Cops and Kids 

Program through Panama City Beach Police 

Department. Community members are 

encouraged to bring toys to the drop-off bins 

located near the Santa house and between 

Smoothie King and Kilwin’s Chocolates & 

Ice Cream in the Boardwalk area. 

• Saturdays, December 6 & 13, 5 – 7 pm 

Pet Photos with Santa. Everyone’s pets 

Continued on Page 39 

GREEN LODGING 

LA QUINTA INN & SUITES 

In July, La Quinta Inn & Suites located 

across the street from the Naval Support 

Activity PC was certifi ed a “Green Hotel.” 

The Florida Department of Environmental 

Protection oversees the Florida Green 

Lodging Program which encourages 

hotels, motels, and other overnight lodging 

facilities to lessen their impact on the 

environment. 

This La Quinta is the only hotel in Bay 

County – and the only La Quinta in the 

state of Florida – to receive this certifi cation 

and be a member of the “Green Hotels 

Association.” La Quinta achieved the 

certifi cation by adhering to some very strict 

regulations such as: 

• Replacing all incandescent bulbs with 

compact fl uorescents 

• Environmentally friendly housekeeping 

cleaners 

• High effi ciency air fi lters 

• Implement a recycling program where all 

proceeds go to help the local Rescue 

Mission 

• Low fl ow toilets and faucets 

• Energy star rated equipment 

• Replacing Styrofoam plates with washable 

dishware 

• Replacing plastic knives and forks with 

washable silverware 

By implementing these sustainable 

initiatives, the management and staff of 

La Quinta has lessened their impact on the 

environment and saved money on power, 

water, and waste. 

songwriter, singer and recording artist, J.C.’s dynamic energy makes 

him one of country music’s most recognized new talents. 

Reed Waddle is a two-time international songwriting competition 

fi nalist from Destin, Florida, currently on a national tour in 15 states 

and 28 cities promoting his new album, “Piece by Piece.” 

The event is free and open to FSU students and the community. 

Erica Spivey, Communication Club representative says, “We are 

excited to offer this event to students and the community. We 

want to create an atmosphere where our students can bring their 

blanket and chairs out by the bay and invite their family, friends, and 

neighbors to enjoy some good outdoor entertainment.”

Sharon & Gregory Yordon 

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New New Beach Location 

Every Tuesday 

612 Wisteria Street 

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1.4m west of Grand Panama Resort 

Call for appointment: 

850-763-0801 or 

877-608-4327 

2633 Highway 77, Suite A 

Panama City 

Relax. 

Play. 

Celebrate. 

For all the reasons to visit the beach, 

stay in beautiful beach condos & resorts. 

www.SouthernResorts.com 

800.737.2322 

NORTHWEST FLORIDA’S GULF COAST 

Consult-A-Nurse ® 

•Physician Referral 

•Nurse Consultation 

•Event Registration 

(850) 747-3600 

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� 

Member News 

The Greener Mile 

By Hope M Stewart 

According to the 2000 US census, the 

average Bay County commuter has a 

daily one-way trip of 21.6 minutes. That 

equates to about 180 hours spent in traffi c 

every year. Coupled with an average 

annual cost to drive of about $2,000, it is 

no wonder that many area employees often 

struggle maintaining reliable transportation. 

Fortunately, you can reduce the costs 

associated with commuting to work. 

Ride On Commuter Services helps our area 

with free programs designed to support 

people seeking affordable, reliable, and 

sustainable workforce transportation. Ride 

On coordinators work with employers and 

commuters with the goal of establishing 

customized rideshare programs. Services 

include carpool and vanpool coordination, 

transit assistance, park & ride lot location, 

bicycle and pedestrian support, guaranteed 

TECO Peoples Gas 


ride home services, and promotion of tax 

FREE payroll benefi ts. Commuters and 

employers alike can save time and money 

by working with Ride On. And, while 

saving money is good, there is more to Ride 

On than just fi nancial benefi ts. 

Environmentally concerned commuters 

would be surprised to see how fast the 

ecological benefi ts add up as well. Locally, 

several teachers at Waller Elementary 

School have registered their commutes 

with Ride On. Fourteen teachers at Waller 

Elementary are active in a total of four 

registered carpools, and are having a 

positive impact on Waller’s campus and on 

our local roadways. Not only has Waller’s 

carpool program eased on-site parking 

congestion by roughly ten percent, these 

commuters are also collectively saving 

about 650 gallons of gas and reducing CO2 

emissions by approximately 12,580 pounds 

each month. 

TECO Peoples Gas provides homes and businesses across Florida with clean-burning 

natural gas which contributes to a cleaner environment. Direct use of natural gas in homes 

and businesses is one of the easiest ways to signifi cantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions. 

It’s also safe, reliable and American. 

A third-party study determined that the direct use of natural gas in residential and 

commercial applications can increase the productivity of available energy supplies, reduce 

overall energy cost, and reduce related CO2 emissions. 

Natural gas can cut a home’s carbon footprint in about half. For example, if one resident 

replaced an electric water heater with a natural gas tankless water heater, about 3,200 

pounds of carbon would be removed from the atmosphere in Panama City in one year. (For 

comparison: about half an acre of pine forest is needed to absorb 3,000 pounds of carbon in 

one year.) Consider that a tankless water heater has a typical lifespan of 20 years and we can 

continued on Page 34 

ENERGY PROGRAM 

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY PC 

ENERGY PROGRAM BRINGS HOME 

THE GOLD 

Naval Support Activity Panama City has 

received a Gold Level of Achievement in 

the Secretary of the Navy’s FY 2008 Energy 

and Water Management Awards. The gold 

level of achievement indicates a very good to 

outstanding energy program. 

Wells Parker, NSA PC Utilities and Energy 

Manager, said there are well over 50 rated 

and judged SECNAV Energy Program criteria 

used in determining these awards. 

“Our ‘Gold’ award recognizes a Commandwide 

effort in the truest sense,” Parker said, 

noting the outstanding efforts of Building 

Energy Monitors who take on the daily 

duties of reducing energy waste in their 

buildings and hit their quantitative reduction 

goals. He also credited the Executive 

Offi cer’s Energy Board for scheduling and 

policy updating; the Public Works Offi cer 

and Deputy PWO who prioritize and ramrod 

quality energy project proposals; the PW 

Engineers and Estimators who design and 

renovate to energy effi ciency standards; and 

the PW Mechanics who change fi lters, make 

mechanical adjustments and fi x numerous 

energy leaks as they’re found. 

“Our key metric going forward is reduction 

of our energy use per square foot by 3% each 

year,” Parker said, admitting this is a very 

diffi cult goal considering the ‘easy’ energy 

retrofi ts are already completed. 

Pictured Above: The Naval Surface Warfare 

Center Panama City Division, with technical 

assistance from the NSA PC Public Works 

Department, retrofi tted a 400-ton state-ofthe-art 

compressor system into the existing 

chillers. The quiet, lightweight, oil-free chiller 

compressors were validated to save 40 percent 

or more over traditional compressors. 

The upgrade cost $276,000 and will save 

more than $500,000 over the expected life 

of the equipment. The team responsible 

for the upgrade are (from left) Wells Parker, 

Utilities and Energy Manager; Norm Hopper, 

Mechanical Planner and Estimator; Lee 

Weeks, lead Air Conditioning Mechanic; and 

Bill Logsdon, head of Facilities Management, 

NSWC PCD.

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FREE DELIVERY! 

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Member News 

Bowers Construction 

Bowers Construction Services, Inc. is a 

locally owned and operated full service 

organization. The company can handle all 

types of construction projects ranging from 

residential remodeling and additions to 

commercial and light industrial. With more 

than 50 years experience between them, 

President Brian Bowers and Vice President 

Ron Voiselle want to work for you! 

Having lived in Bay County for the past 

25 years, Bowers is a “local boy.” He 

attended school here and has many ties 

to the community. He has over 16 years 

experience in the construction industry and 

enjoys working with people. Brian creates 

strong relationships with everyone who is 

involved in each project he does. 

Voiselle brings 40 years of construction 

experience to the team. His work 

experience includes acting as Project 

TECO Peoples Gas 

Continued from Page 32 


Superintendent for several large construction 

companies. Ron insures that all projects are 

delivered on time and with high quality. 

CFO Judy Voiselle has been doing 

construction bookkeeping and accounting 

for over 25 years. Her attention to detail 

keeps the offi ces running smoothly, 

processing all the paperwork that is 

necessary for a certifi ed building contractor. 

In today’s world, Bowers Construction 

Services, Inc. is ready to seize the 

opportunity to “go green” and will seek 

out innovative ways to help protect our 

environment for future The Bowers 

Construction Services, Inc. family is ready 

and willing to work with you and put the 

time into your project to ensure you get 

exactly what you want. 

Pictured left: Ron Voiselle - Vice President, Judy 

Voiselle - Chief Financial Offi cer, Brian Bowers - 

President. Right: Shannon Ray and Leanne 

Cardwell of Envy Boutique. 

cut more than 30 tons of carbon from one residence. And, tankless water heaters may help 

save a considerable amount of water and reduce local landfi ll waste. 

Looking at four major natural gas appliances: water heater, furnace, range and dryer, we can 

compare carbon emissions for both natural gas and electricity. Using electricity for these 

appliances creates more than 7,100 pounds of carbon output in one year for one household. 

When natural gas appliances are used, the carbon emissions are reduced to about 3,200 

pounds a year. 

It’s also worthy to add that natural gas can contribute to energy independence for the U.S. 

Natural gas is domestic with about 98 percent of the natural gas we use coming from North 

America and more than 83 percent coming directly from the U.S. 

GREEN YOUR CLOSET 

GO GREEN WITH ENVY 

By Shannon Ray & Leanne Cardwell 

In today’s world we are becoming more 

aware every day of the footprint we leave 

on planet earth. There are so many ways 

that we can all tweak our lifestyles in order 

to cutdown on these harmful imprints. 

One area of your life you may have never 

considered is making your closet “green.” 

There are several simple things you can do 

get your closet and wardrobe eco-friendly. 

Starting with your shopping expeditions. 

While adding new item to your wardrobe, 

keep in mind your shopping bags. A reusable 

shopping bag that you bring with you 

will help cut down on the 380 billion plastic 

bags we go through annually. Also, while 

shopping, make sure the clerk fi lls each bag 

to capacity. When you are fi nished with the 

bag, recycle it! 

When laundry day rolls around there are a 

few simple things that will make this chore 

a little more earth-friendly. Wash clothes in 

cold water. It uses less energy, and it makes 

your wardrobe last longer! Also, buy concentrated 

formulas of laundry detergent. 

They use less plastic for packaging, and less 

fuel is used for transport. When you dry 

clean your clothes, talk to your dry cleaner 

about stopping the usage of “perc” which is 

a harmful chemical used in processing that 

has been found to be carcinogenic and a 

hazardous air polluntant by the EPA. 

Finally, in your actual closet use these helpful 

eco-friendly tips. Recycle your old hangars! 

Take them to a recycling plant or see 

if your local dry cleaner will reuse them. 

When you clean out your closet, don’t toss 

your clothes out. Give them away or take 

them to a consignment shop, and reduce 

the CO2 emissions from landfi lls and 

incinerators. Going green can seem like an 

overwhelming task, but taking these small 

steps can quickly and easily start you in the 

right direction!


around Town 

Updates on Community, Education, Workforce & Government 

Community Update 

Mayor Gayle Oberst, City of PCB 

Proposed projects 

for Panama City 

Beach continue even 

as our Country experiences 

economic 

setbacks. On the 

drawing board with 

plans is a 400,000 

square foot shopping 

center at North 

Pier Park Drive and 

Back Beach Road. Glimcher, who developed 

the Destin Commons mall, is working with 

The St. Joe Company to bring this exciting 

retail venue to our City. The Harley Davidson 

Motorcycle complex will be built on a parcel 

of land at North Gulf Blvd. and Back Beach 

Road. Plans include retail sales of Harleys 

and a clothing store. Wyndham Resorts has 

begun construction of their third tower on the 

beach and Simon Properties report that leasing 

is going well in Pier Park West which is 

across from the Frank Brown Park entrance. 

As our population continues to grow so do 

our churches. Woodlawn Methodist and Gulf 

Beach Baptist, due to growth, plan to build a 

sanctuary. The First Baptist Church is underway 

with construction of its new church and 

complex on Back Beach and Cobb Roads and 

Beachside Fellowship recently moved into its 

new home on Ashley Drive. The Census Bureau 

is now showing the City of Panama City 

Beach with approximately 14,000 permanent 

residents. We continue to be the city in Bay 

County with a growing population. 

The Christmas season at the beach promises 

to be a good one. The City will display 

decorations along the PCB Parkway, in the 

City complex, and Frank Brown Park; Pier 

Park will begin their seasonal celebrations in 

November with decorations and events; and 

the Beaches Chamber will sponsor a Christmas 

display and decoration event. The annual 

Christmas tree lighting at Frank Brown Park 

will be on the fi rst Monday of December. 

The rebuilding of Beckrich Road from the 

PCB Parkway to near Front Beach Road is on 

schedule with completion July 2009; however, 


the contractor, GAC, and the City are hoping 

for an earlier opening. When completed the 

street will have four lanes, underground utilities, 

sidewalks, bike paths, streetscaping and 

in some areas landscaped mediums. 

Two Big Grants at FSU PC 

Dr. George DePuy, FSU PC Dean 

FSU PC has recently 

received two 

big grants. One 

will help engineering 

students and 

the other will help 

teachers. 

We have received 

a $512,000 grant 

from the National 

Science Foundation in support of our programs 

in electrical, computer, civil, and environmental 

engineering. The grant will provide 

scholarship money for students studying 

engineering at our campus. Ten students per 

year will receive two-year scholarships valued 

at $7,500 per year. Dr. Korhan Adalier, 

who is a faculty member in civil and environmental 

engineering at FSU-PC, is the 

principle investigator for this grant. 

The grant is also good news for the local 

economy. Engineering programs are the 

ones most closely associated with attracting 

and growing high tech companies. 

Local employers tell us that it is far easier to 

recruit and retain a graduate from our campus 

than it is hire someone from another part 

of the country. We have found that about 

80% of our engineering graduates are working 

in northwest Florida. This grant will help 

to increase the pool of engineering talent in 

the area. 

We have also received a $463,000 grant from 

the Florida Department of Education. This 

grant will allow us to work in collaboration 

with Gulf Coast Community College, and 

the school districts of Bay, Franklin, Gulf, 

and Holmes counties. The funding will be 

used to establish the “Fast Packs” program. 

The program will assist secondary school 

teachers who are teaching out-of-fi eld and 

elementary school teachers who do not have 

the appropriate certifi cation in becoming 

highly qualifi ed teachers. 

School districts throughout Florida struggle 

each year fi nding certifi ed teachers for all 

their classes. This grant will address the 

problem in the four county area. Dr. Marion 

Fesmire, an education faculty member at 

FSU-PC, is the principle investigator for the 

grant. 

Advanced Technology 

Center at GCCC 

Dr. Jim Kerley, GCCC President 

Judging by the areas 

under construction 

on campus, it seems 

that Gulf Coast 

Community College 

is always building 

or renovating at 

least one building at 

any given time, but 

the next big project 

will be a little different 

than our normal approach. As this issue 

of The Circuit is The Green Issue - appropriately 

enough - we are very excited to announce 

that our next building will be green. 

Over the course of this year, we will move 

forward with the development of a new 

building – the Advanced Technology Center 

(ATC). This ATC, slated for completion 

in 2011, holds tremendous potential for our 

students, for local business and industry, 

and for the community at large. We are currently 

bidding for architectural services and 

our faculty is exploring the possibilities of 

innovative programs within Technology, 

Transportation, Digital Media, and Sustainable 

Energy. Feedback from the community 

and students have indicated a growing demand 

for inventive programs like these and 

we want to stay ahead of the curve when it 

comes to the programs we offer. In the next 

decade, the majority of new high paying jobs 

will be high-tech and require specialized college 

certifi cation programs, AS, AAS or AA 

degrees. Other possibilities include housing 

a high-tech incubator for students and local 

entrepreneurs. The building itself will be a 

model of effi ciency and conservation and

around Town 

Updates on Community, Education, Workforce & Government 

will aim for LEED certifi cation from the 

U.S. Green Building Council. At our core 

is collaboration with all our partners, such 

as K-12, FSU-PC, business and industry, 

chambers of commerce and economic development. 

Guided by our Strategic Plan, we 

aim to be at the forefront of these innovative 

ideas and will constantly seek your thoughts 

and input as we move forward. 

Naval Support Activity 

PC Earns “Clean Marina” 

Designation 

Jessica Pfeff erkorn, Commanding 

Offi cer, NSA Panama City 

The Florida Department 

of Environmental 

Protection, 

together with the 

Clean Boating Partnership, 

recognized 

the marina facility at 


Panama City 

as the 170th member 

of the Florida Clean 

Marina Program on August 7th. 

“By meeting the Clean Marina criteria, the 

facility demonstrates stewardship and a dedication 

to protect Florida’s natural resources,” 

said DEP Northwest District Director Dick 

Fancher. “We are proud of the Navy’s leadership 

and commitment in setting an example 

to the industry, encouraging other facilities to 

join in the protection of our waterways.” 

“The Naval Support Activity Panama City is 

committed to environmental stewardship as an 

integral part our mission to enable warfi ghter 

readiness,” said Cmdr. Jessica Pfefferkorn, 

commanding offi cer of NSA PC. “Preserving 

our environment is an ‘all hands’ effort in 

everything we do. I am proud of the morale, 

welfare and recreation team and their efforts 

to comply with the regulations, implement innovative 

pollution protection strategies and to 

continually exceed customer expectations at 

the Marina.” 

The Clean Boating Partnership is a consortium 

of industry leaders who contribute time and 

input to the Clean Marina, Clean Boatyard, 

Clean Marine Retailer and Clean Boater programs. 

The partnership includes DEP, Marine 

Industries Association of Florida, University 

of Florida Sea Grant Program, United States 

Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary. 

With more than one million registered motorized 

vessels in Florida, environmental education 

within marine industries is the fi rst step toward 

safeguarding the state’s natural resources. 

Haney to Launch Aviation 

Maintenance Technology 

Academy 

Kimberly Bodine, Executive Director 

Gulf Coast Workforce Board 

With approximately 

32,000 private sector 

aerospace/defense 

jobs in the region 

and the construction 

of a new international 

airport underway, 

the aviation sector is 

and will continue to 

be a key driver of the 

local economy. 

In order to meet the workforce needs of this 

industry, Haney Technical High School has 

partnered with the Gulf Coast Workforce 

Board, Florida’s Great Northwest and other 

business and community partners to launch an 

Aviation Maintenance Technology Academy. 

“The Academy will give students the opportunity 

to get their high school diploma, train for 

The marina facility at 


Panama City. By 

meeting the Clean 

Marina criteria, the 

facility demonstrates 

stewardship and a 

dedication to protect 

Florida’s natural resources. 

high growth, high wage jobs in the aviation 

industry, and earn FAA nationally recognized 

certifi cations,” said James McCalister, Superintendent 

of Bay District Schools. 

Upon completion of the program, high school 

students will receive a Federal Aviation Administration 

(FAA) license to repair/service 

various aviation systems. Through the program 

students can earn the General Aviation 

Maintenance Technician certifi cation and then 

go on to receive an additional FAA license in 

either Aircraft Airframe Mechanics or Aircraft 

Powerplant Mechanics. 

“Students will have the opportunity to come 

out of high school with an industry certifi cation 

that will qualify them for great wages,” 

said Kim Bodine, Executive Director of the 

Gulf Coast Workforce Board. “Occupations 

in aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul 

are expected to grow in our region with the 

development of the new airport and the 3,400 

acre regional employment center located on 

site there for new businesses.” 

Haney is currently accepting students into the 

Aviation Maintenance Technology program 

with the fi rst initial class scheduled to being 

in January 2009. All Bay County high school 

students who are interested in aviation careers 

are encouraged to sign up. Students can even 

choose to stay at their home school for core 

academic classes and then attend Haney for 

the aviation related elective courses. 

For more information on Haney’s Aviation 

Maintenance Technology Academy, please 

contact Frank Stephens with Haney Technical 

High School at (850) 747-5500 x5127. 


C H A M B E R 

After Hours 

Thursday, November 20, 2008 

5:30 to 7:30 PM 

Margaritaville 

at Pier Park 

Sponsored by 

Comcast & Peoples First Bank 

R.S.V.P. to Bertie@PCBeach.org 


Thursday, 

December 18, 2008 

5:30 to 7:30 PM 

Holiday After Hours 

at 

Breakers 

on the Beach 

�� 

�� 

�� 

Fridays 

at the Beach 

with Paris Janos 

of WJHG News 7 

November 14, 2008 

7:30-9:00AM 

Bay Point Marriott Resort 

Featuring 

Kim Bodine, Executive 

Director of the Gulf Coast 

Workforce Board 

Sponsored by AT&T 

December 12, 2008 

7:30-9:00AM 

Edgewater Beach Resort 

Featuring 

Mark Wilson, Florida Chamber 

Sponsored by Gulf Glo Banners 

RSVP Bertie@PCBeach.org 

�� 

��

grand Openings 

& Re-Openings . Groundbreakings . Beautifi cations 

Maharajas, 9/4 

Wyndham, 9/19 

Catfi sh Company, 10/2 

Blue Mermaid, 10/16 

One Hour AC, 9/18 Midsouth Bank, 9/19 

Beach Care Services, 9/23 

Ava Blue Boutique, 9/25 

Salty Sue’s, 10/8 Panama City POPS, 10/11 

Shimmering Seas, 10/17 Howell & Golden, 10/23 

Catch the Holiday Spirit 

at Pier Park! 

Continued from Page 30 

are invited to take pictures with Santa, too! Santa photos are located in the Boardwalk area between Smoothie 

King and Kilwin’s Chocolates & Ice Cream. For more information and photo package pricing, visit www. 

simon.com. 

• Saturday, December 13, 4 pm 

Holiday at the Beach Parade. Join us for a holiday parade, presented by the Optimist Club. For more 

information call (850) 233-0183. 

• Wednesday, December 31 

New Year’s Eve Beach Bash. Pier Park’s fi rst New Year’s Eve party will be commemorated by a giant 

beach ball drop! Guests can enjoy family activities from 5 – 8:30 pm.. New Year’s Eve celebration begins 

at 9 pm. Guests are invited to ring in 2009 with live entertainment and a beach ball drop at midnight. More 

details to follow… 

For more information on Pier Park, please visit simon.com. 

House of Grace, 9/19 

Beachside Fellowship, 10/1 

Shore House Furniture, 10/15 

Republican Party of Bay Co, 10/24 

Photography by 

www.ThomasLeePhotography.com 

850-814-0385 

Would you like a 

Grand Opening 

or 

Ribbon Cutting 

for your 

business? 

Call 

Cyndi Ainsworth 

at (850) 691-6259. 


New Members 

Acton Up With Downs, Inc. 

ATL Landscaping & Maintenance, Inc. 

Bert Dalkey 

Bill Bryd Kia 

Blue Mermaid Imports 

BNI - PC Beach Links Chapter 

Brusters Real Ice Cream 

Carol Hook 

Case Handyman & Remodeling 

CB Weddings 

Come 2 U Car Wash 

DeJa-Vu 

Dennis Lichorwic, DMD 

DHG & Associates 

Displaced People International 

Emerald Coast Technology & IT Solutions 

Extreme Fitness 

Florida Travel & Life Magazine 

Krewe of Dominique Youx 

Lisa & Co. Event Planning, Consulting and 

Design 

Lori Bates Interiors 

Nails So Happy 

Republican Party of Bay County 

Ron Sachs Communications 

Salty Sue’s 

Serenity Gifts & Music 

Solar Energy Systems, Inc. 

Sterling House Brookdale Senior Living 

Student Breaks, LLC 

The Vein Center @ Vascular Associates, LLC 

Renewals - 1 Year 

Biological Research Associates, LLC 

Dade Paper/Gulf States 

Elizabeth Whitman 

Grace Episcopal Church 

Gulf Coast Electrical Services 

Hadley & Brown PLLC 

House of Grace Maternity Home 

Hutchison Beach Elementary 

Jim Free Realty 

Kaleidoscope Theatre 

Panama City Surgery Center, LLC 

Panera Bread 

Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. 

Pregnancy Resource Center 

Renegade Sports Center 

Southern Resorts 

System Laundry Management 

Renewals - 2 Years 

Alexan Back Beach/Trammell Crow Residential 

Bell Signs 

Dooley Mack Constructors of N.W. Florida, LLC 

Field Day, Inc. Pool Services 

FSU-PC 

Seahaven Development 

Sonitrol of Bay County 

The UPS Store 

Women’s Civic Club of Panama City Beach 


Cabana West Apartments 

Carillon Beach Rentals 

Grand Residences By Marriott Bay Point 


Gulf Crest Condominiums 

Humane Society of Bay County 

Leeshore Realty, Inc. 

ResortQuest Central Reservations 

Simon Property Group 

The Towne of Seahaven 


Aqua Condominiums 

Carillon Beach Institute 

Countrywide Home Loans 

Sunset Inn 

Surfside Middle School 


Coastal Community Insurance Agency 

Dale E. Peterson Vacations 

Fred Astaire Dance Studio 

G. Miles Interiors 

Joni’s Beach Rentals, Inc. 

Panama City Weddings 

Paul Brent Designer, Inc. 

Surfside Storage, Inc. 

WAVEnet Technologies, Inc. 


AT&T Advertising & Publishing Corp. 

Bay Mini Storage, Inc. 

BaySolutions 

Calypso Beach Cafe & Sports Grille 

Coldwell Banker United, Realtors 

Condom Knowledge, Inc. 

DRMP, Inc. 

EmeraldCoast.com 

Keith Mortensen 

Reeves Enterprises, Inc. 

Thomas Stroud 

White Sands Resort Realty, Inc. 


Allen, Tim Photography 

Emerald Coast Guide Inc. 


GVA Advantis Real Estate Services Company 

Hampton Inn at Panama City Beach 

PAKMAIL on the Beach 

Papa John’s Pizza /R & L Enterprises 

St. Andrews State Park/Fl. Dept Environmental 

Protection 

Tillie’s Properties 


Marriott Legends Edge at Bay Point 

Pinnacle Port Vacation Rentals 

The Storage Center 


Beach TV 

Glass Center, Inc. 

PBS&J 


Beach Tower Resort Motel 

Healthsouth Emerald Coast Rehabilitation 

Hospital 

Moonspinner Condominiums 

Donald F. Nations Real Estate 


Camper’s Inn, Inc. 

Goodreau & Richardson Dentistry 

Neighborhood Press 

State Attorney, Steve Meadows 

Trustmark National Bank 


Bay Medical at the Beach 


Architectural Rails, Inc. 

Muzak of Florida 

Publix Super Markets, Inc. 


Comcast Cable 

Knology Connecting Bay County 


The Shores Homeowners Association 


City of Panama City Beach 


Sugar Sands Inn & Suites 


170 Condos at Regency Towers

With layoffs and cutbacks, it’s a huge 

challenge to stay positive in today’s 

workplaces. But now is the time to take on 

the challenge because negativity is contagious. Take 

your membership to the next level....the High Voltage 

Level! We have a very diverse and enthusiastic group 

of new Chamber members who are ready to become 

active in our community. 

We can do far more together as a community than one 

person or one business can accomplish alone. Stop 

playing it safe! While everyone is hiding, you can stand 

out and get involved. Your Chamber membership not 

only creates opportunity for community involvement, 

it puts you in touch with thousands of potential clients, 

customers and friends. 

ambassador Update 

& Happenings Around Town 

The Holiday Season is upon us, and many of 

us are busy planning and enjoying family gettogethers, 

community events, and parties at 

work and the volunteer organizations we support. It’s 

easy to be caught up in the whirl of holiday activities, 

trying to keep up with all the demands on our time. 

Sometimes we need to step back, take a deep breath, 

and relax for a moment. The holidays should be 

enjoyed, not just endured. Find a few minutes to 

spend with friends and loved ones and take a break 

from all the pressure; you’ll be glad you did! 

In the midst of all the hustle and bustle, the Ambassador 

Team continues a celebration that transcends the 

changing seasons. The celebration of new businesses 

opening, established businesses retooling and 

expanding, and ground being broken for the future. 

high Voltage Membership 

Take Your Membership to the Next Level 

We have to change the way we do business. We can’t 

wait for the business to show up at our door..we’ve 

got to go out and make it happen. Opportunity is 

knocking, so be positive, and focus on a new vision 

for our future. 

The economy has always had its ups and downs, but 

people with vision and determination continue to 

make Panama City Beach an exciting place to live and 

do business. 

Get in on the year round celebration by becoming a 

part of the Ambassadors. We exist to promote business 

and to encourage networking among our members. 

Ambassador events happen every week, and you 

can be a part of our growing team. Just stop by the 

Chamber offi ce and fi ll out an application, or pick one 

up and fax it in. Make the coming New Year the best 

your business has ever enjoyed. Become a part of one 

of the most exciting and dynamic organizations on the 

beach – the Chamber Ambassadors! 

Cyndi Ainsworth 

850.691.6259 

Cyndi@PCBeach.org 

Pastor Ramon Duvall 

850.960-6026 

Ramon@ 

beachsidefellowship.com 

ROGER PARRY 

Panama City Lender 

2624 Jenks Avenue, Suite A 

Panama City, FL 32405 

Phone: 850.872.9415 

Member FDIC 

www.vanguardbank.com 


• • • s s e e r r e r u u t t t t t t h h S S • • s s d d n n i i i l l l B B 42 THE CIRCUIT November/December 2008 

S.C. D ESIGNING, Inc. 

COMMERCIAL • CONDOS • RETAIL • RESIDENTIAL 

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Is it working with experienced professionals to create a quality product? Is it watching their ideas come together before 

their eyes? Or is it the bottom line, knowing they are getting the most for their hard earned money. We say it’s 

all these and more. From the simplest business card to a full color magazine we will work with you 

to achieve your goals, time and time again. 

At Boyd Brothers we don’t want orders, we want customers 

SATISFIED CUSTOMERS 

425 East 15th Street • Post Office Box 18 • Panama City, FL 32402-0018 

1-800-677-BOYD(2693) • 850-763-1741 • Fax: 850-769-6526

PCB CIGARS 

BRAND NAME CIGARS | PERSONALIZED ASSISTANCE 

CLIMATE-CONTROLLED WALK-IN HUMIDOR 

| ACID 

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17329 Panama City Beach Pkwy 

850.249.6282

4 THE CIRCUIT November/December 2008

The Green Issue - Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce

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