Upcoming Events 

09/29/07                            Paws in the Park - Centennial Park, 9am-1pm
09/29/07                             Bow Wow Bash - Centennial Park, 6pm-10pm
10/06/07              Bay Day - St. Joseph Bay Aquatic Preserve and the Buffer Preserve
10/06/07                             Annual Catfish Classic Fishing Tournament & Festival – Lake Alice & Gaskin Parks, Wewahitchka
10/18/07                             Emerald Coast Federal Credit Union “Renovation Celebration”
10/18/07              Music by the Bay – John Mazzanovich, Port Inn
Sponsored by Farnsley Financial Services
10/20/07              Art & Wine Festival - Driftwood Inn
10/20/07                             Pioneer Day - Sam Atkins Park
10/25/07              Music by the Bay – Larry Parker, Port Inn
Sponsored by Hannon Insurance
10/28/07             Fall Festival & Touch-A-Truck – Long Avenue Baptist Church
10/31/07             Ghost on the Coast – Reid Avenue
11/01/07                             Port St. Joe Lions Club – Gulf/Franklin Sportsman's Banquet – Box-R-Ranch
 

What’s Inside…

Presentation to Port St. Joe Lions Club
New Members
ImPORTant News Update
The Brand Called YOU!
Chamber Events
Keeping it Clean – Pest Control
Office Space
 
 

Letter from the President

ECONOMICS, BRASS TAX, and the BOTTOM LINE
 
I recently spoke with Mike Cazalas, the Managing Editor of the Panama City News Herald and asked if I could reproduce (almost) verbatim what he had written in his September 2, 2007 Viewpoints Article. He gladly consented. Here is what Mike wrote with few noted changes or additions:
 
Road Blocks Are Poor PR Move For City
It is hard to understand the logic behind roadblocks, other than there comes a time and place in law enforcement when there is little or no concern to the aggravation being added to a citizen’s life. This is not an argument of law. The Supreme Court is on law enforcement’s side. (But) That does not make it the right thing to do. We live in a society of individual freedom, where people ought generally be allowed to do as they please to the extent that it does not bring harm to others. Police are around to both respond when someone is hurt or offended, and to be proactive within reason to prevent people from coming to harm. Intoxicated drivers are a leading cause of mayhem, death and chaos on the road, most of us will agree. Just as most of us agree that crack cocaine is a major cause of addiction and violence. But to what extent are we willing to subject ourselves to warrantless police and government intrusion in our lives to protect us and others from harm? It is nearly beyond belief that the courts allow roadblocks/checkpoints like the ones conducted by (local authorities between the HighlandViewBridge and the Overpass). It just seems contrary to everything we believe as a free country. It is, however, within the law. Are drunk drivers taken off the road by such roadblocks? A few. At what expense did this come to fellow drivers? How many hundreds of cars passed through the alley of flashing police lights, orange cones and the sight of cars pulled into spaces on the side? How many dozens of drivers had to pull over for police inspection without cause? How many hearts raced in panic, not because anyone did anything wrong, but because that’s a normal reaction to an overwhelming police presence? Regardless of the intent, the effect of a massive roadblock is to intimidate the masses. It is not a pleasant experience. Some cite the good feeling that comes with not being ticketed in such a situation. That is like saying it is a relief to have a bully belly up to you, only to decide not to throw a punch. The bottom line is the populace as a whole comes to feel as if they are at the mercy of a government gone amok. Property taxes seem to rise unchecked, our gas prices hover near $3 a gallon, and, dangit, I’m stopped at a police roadblock for no other reason than I happen to be on the road. Really, what is the reasoning? What is happening that couldn’t be accomplished with the same number of people running radar and stopping every car that is speeding? If you get hit for not having a valid license or for drinking and driving as the result of your speeding, well, you can’t really complain. Law Enforcement often bemoans that they are looked upon with anger or distrust by the populace. They assure us that they, too, are human and would like to be treated as such. They profess to not understand. Simply put, this is not conduct conducive to that kind of relationship.
 
Some of you might ask, “What does this issue have to do with the Chamber?” I hope the answer is obvious, but for the record…… Since we no longer have an industry giant
(e.g. The Paper Mill) to indemnify our public coffers, we have now turned to the industry of tourism…..the Tourists spend $$$ in our local business, which in turn spend in other businesses and expedientially down the line. So, the bottom line is, let’s be careful not to kill the goose capable of laying our golden eggs thus the Commerce of our Community. 
 
Most Sincerely,
Jim Norton
Page 2
In place of Sandra’s letter
                                                                                   
 
Dear Port St. Joe Lions Club,
 
Thank you for your part in making the 11th Annual Scallop Festival a success. Your commitment to a community project is commendable. You might have seen on television recently that the Lions Club in Panama City Beach is losing members and are close to disbanding as are other service organizations in the area. Thank goodness your club is growing and active in the community.
 
I know that your cooking experience during the festival is extremely hot, sometimes unpleasant and not at all an easy task. That makes me appreciate you more than ever. Our festival attendees are so impressed that a group of all men do this for the chamber and the community. I do enjoy telling them that bank presidents, pharmacists, lawyers, dentists, many business owners, young professionals and retired members of the club participate each year. They seem to be amazed that individuals who have retired are willing to work so hard during this event. They are impressed with the PSJ Lions even though they do not know you personally. Thank you.
 
If you have concerns and issues that you would like to have the Board of Directors address concerning the 2007 Scallop Festival please send them to me in writing and they will be happy to address them.
 
Just to let you know. We paid for the scallops on Saturday and part of the supplies on Sunday. The chamber will most likely pay out more for expenses than we took in for income but the success of the festival and the positive recognition for Gulf County and Port St. Joe is well worth it.
 
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. Yes, the Lions are still my favorite service organizations.
 
 
Most Sincerely,
 
 
 
Sandra B. Chafin
Executive Director 
 
Photo: Lions 2000 check
 
 
 
Page 3
 
New Members
 
Mango Marley’s
Tim Kerigan, Owner
3102 W. Hwy. 98
Mexico Beach, FL 32456
Phone: 850-648-5000
 
St. Joe Pool
Jeff Leavitt, Owner
1730 Trout Ave.
Highland View, FL 32456
Phone:850-229-8090
Fax: 850-229-8091
 
Patti Waldo
Shaklee Independent Distributor
173 N. Deer Avenue
Wewahitchka, FL 32465
Phone: 850-827-2510
Phone: 850-774-8048
 
Galati Yacht Sales, LLC
Dewey Blaylock
406 Marina Drive
Port St. Joe, FL 32456
Phone: 850-229-1017
Phone: 850-527-5498C
Fax: 850-229-7901
 
 
 
Page 3
 
ImPORTant News Update!
 
It is no secret that the State of Florida is in a bit of an economic downturn and, no doubt, many local businesses are feeling the pinch, as well. One effort that is underway to expand and diversify our economy and hopefully smooth future economic woes is the work being done to develop our Port.
The Port St. Joe Port Authority and staff have been steadily pursuing this effort for some time now and in the last couple of years significant progress has been made: 
  • A new Port Master Plan has been prepared and, with the support of the Mayor and City Commission, has been forwarded to the State for agency review. A Plan is not only a legal requirement but a prudent first step.
  • An Option Agreement was entered with the St. Joe Company for lands on both sides of US Highway 98 on the south side of the Gulf County Canal. For those who might recall, this is the site which was the focus of port development plans in the early 1980’s by the Port Authority under the leadership of Sen. George Tapper.
  • The Port Authority purchased the inland parcel, between US 98 and the Wastewater Plant, with the plan of initiating operations there and then growing to the bayside parcel. Access between the two will be under the bridge.
  • Permits were immediately sought and were favorably considered by the permitting agencies. They are pending subject to the resolution of a Corps of Engineers easement issue. This is being resolved with assistance from the Gulf County Commission, the Mayor and City Commissioners of Port St. Joe, and Congressman Allen Boyd.
  • Promptly after receipt of those permits construction of the bulkhead and dredging will begin.
Why a Port?
As the concept of a global economy has become reality the volume of trade has grown phenomenally. Many operating ports have expanded to the limits of their available land and they have become huge economic engines for their regions.
Statewide last year ports accounted for over $43 billion in economic output and generated about 350,000 jobs at an average wage of $44,760. That is $20,000 more than Gulf County’s average wage and $10,000 more than the State’s average. Port St. Joe did not contribute to those figures but hopes to do so in the future.
Most jobs resulting from port activity are not on the port sites. Shippers, distribution centers, freight forwarders, manufacturers, etc., locate inland near ports thus bringing a wide range of commerce and jobs.
The State sees its ports as good investments; for every $1 invested in port infrastructure there is a return of $6.90 in economic benefit.
Port St. Joe is one of Florida’s 14 deepwater seaports and already has much of the vital infrastructure in place.   The AN Railway provides access to the nation’s rail network, the Gulf County Canal to the nation’s waterways, and, of course, the Ship Channel to the world’s ports. Highway access to the Interstate system is good now but will be better when the Gulf Coast Parkway is completed.
How Do We Pay for It?
As noted, much of the infrastructure is in place…but how do we pay for the rest? The long term answer is with revenue from Port tenants and customers.
As word has spread of anticipated Port development, the number of inquiries from potential customers has grown significantly. They vary from agricultural products to construction materials. Interestingly, though, most have been in the alternative or “green” energy field. Most are dependent on deepwater accessible from the bayside site.
In the meantime, the Port site must be developed with the first step being the inland parcel. That is being accomplished with a wide range of resources including Port reserve funds, a commercial line of credit with a local bank, and support from the State of Florida.
Allocations to the Port from the State, recognizing the benefits of port investment, thusfar exceed $5 million and there are commitments for additional funding, all requiring a comparable local match.
Another potential source is a grant being sought by the Gulf County Commission for the benefit of the Port to provide rail access to the site. That application has recently been ranked the top priority of the multi-county regional transportation committee performing the review.
What Next?
As indicated above, there is a broad range of support, not only from the State, but from local leaders at the City and County levels. 
At the onset of the present economic downturn, the County Commission created an Inter-Agency Task Force with broad representation for the purpose of implementing the County Strategic Plan for economic recovery and growth. The group’s first action was to establish as its top priorities the support of port development at Port St. Joe and the support of the construction of Sacred Heart Hospital. 
The Hospital is a done deal and all are awaiting the “brick and mortar” work followed by a ribbon cutting.
With continued support and hard work, perhaps the revitalization of the Port of Port St. Joe will not be far behind.
 
 
Page 4
 
 The Brand Called YOU
           
“Starting today you are not defined by your job title and you're not confined by your job description. Consider the possibility that you are a brand---every bit as much a brand as Nike, Nordstrom, BMW or the Body Shop. 
If you don’t know what makes your talent or service different, you’ve got a big problem. To excel in today’s competitive market place, you’ve got to learn how to make the ‘brand called you’ stand out.”                                                             Tom Peters, The Pursuit of WOW
Packed into a conference hall of Chicago’s McCormick Place, attending a marketing seminar, my goal was to absorb as much of Tom Peters wisdom as I could, hoping to capture a few nuggets I might apply in my career pursuit. That was 1997, and I’ve since had the opportunity to help manage billion-dollar brands and guide my own personal marketing through the same branding concepts.
Whether your goal is to move up, explore new opportunities or simply add security to the position you have, these personal marketing tips, borrowed from the big brands, will help you successfully sell yourself:
What is a brand?
To brand means to distinguish; to impress indelibly. Nike, Volkswagen and Volvo have successfully branded their companies, using testimonials, performance reviews, or other measures to attract consumer buy-in for their products. They communicate why their product is better than the competition and offer unique benefits that specifically address a consumer's needs.
Why’s that important for Brand YOU?
A job seeker needs to approach the job hunt in the same way. Just as companies brand themselves for consumers, a job seeker needs to brand himself for a prospective employer to show why he offers the superior product versus his competition. Advertisers call this “product positioning.” Avis says, “We try harder.” Mercedes is “Unlike any other.” When you have the opportunity to communicate your skills, what will you be remembered for?
"Each job seeker is a distinctive brand. A job seeker's product is the combination of her skills, experience and education. To successfully land a position, the job seeker must advertise her product and tailor it to needs of the prospective employer. The key is making one's brand relevant to the employer."
The Power of Branding, Jennifer Sullivan, CareerBuilder.com
 
 
 
How to create Brand YOU.
1. Know Your Customer
Candidates who demonstrate knowledge of a company and the specific position being offered, in resumes, cover letters and interviews tend to get noticed. A recent CareerBuilder.com survey found 71 percent of hiring managers pay more attention to resumes and cover letters that are customized to their open positions.
2. Get Your Customer to Know YOU
The second step in making yourself relevant is creating an advertising campaign for your brand. Ask yourself how your product – skills, experience and education – enables you to better serve your targeted audience than the competition and convey that through your resume and cover letter. 
ACTION STEPS
1. Determine what makes you different. Write it. Learn it. Be able to communicate it in 30 seconds. What do I do that adds measurable value? What am I proud of? What can I shamelessly take credit for?
2. Don’t sell the steak, sell the sizzle. No matter how beefy your skills you’ve got to market your brand---to customers and to colleagues How do you enhance the profile of the brand called YOU? The list is limitless but here are a few creative suggestions:
·        Try moonlighting! Sign up for an extra project inside your organization, or take on a project that gets you noticed as a contributor.
·        Consider teaching a class at a community college, in an adult education program, or in your own company. 
·        Try contributing a column to a community newspaper, professional newsletter, or an in-house company publication. Each has white space they need to fill. 
·        Try to get yourself on a panel discussion at a conference or sign up to make a presentation at a workshop. Visibility has a way of multiplying. 
3. Create your own “focus group.” Find a colleague or a few objective friends that will proof your resume and even critique your strengths and weaknesses.
Finally, no matter how far ahead you’ve set your sights, you still need to be a great teammate and supportive colleague where you are today, as well as an exceptional expert at something that has real value.
Jack Kerigan, Jr has guided national brands and regional brands such as Community Coffee as Director of Marketing. He established Kerigan Marketing Associates in 2000 and now resides in Port St. Joe, Fl where he leads a small team of marketing professionals focused on strategic advertising management, web site development and graphic design. Marketing tips are available at The Free Lunch on the company’s web site, www.kerigan.com.
 
Photo: Jack Kerigan Headshot_2006
 
Page 4
Port St. Joe Lions Club    
Gulf/ Franklin Sportsman’s Banquet     Box-R-Ranch     November 1, 2007
Cocktails at 5:30pm, Norton’s Steak Special at 6:30pm, Auctions and Raffles at 7:30pm
Tickets available at Preble Rish and Hannon Insurance in Port St. Joe and Apalachicola State Bank in Apalachicola. $50 individual, $80 couple, $25 children. Sponsor tables available. For additional information, please call 850-227-7200 or 850-229-7900.
All proceeds generated from this event will be donated directly to the Sacred Heart Hospital that is to be built in Port St. Joe. Once the hospital is built, it will greatly enhance the availability of quality medical care to the Gulf and Franklin County region.
 
Page 5
Chamber Events
9/6/07 Capital City Bank “Renovation Celebration”
Photos:
1D4V2914
1D4V2918
1D4V2922
1D4V2923
1D4V2932
 
9/13/07 United Way of NW Florida BAH
Photos:
BAH United Way 006
BAH United Way 007
BAH United Way 008
 
9/12/07 Presentation to Port St. Joe Lions Club
Photo: Lions 2000 check
 
Page 6
Keeping it Clean: Pest Control
The two most common insects that present pest control problems for Floridians are roaches and ants.
Roaches
Roaches, also know as waterbugs, croton bugs or palmetto bugs, are very common in Florida. Another common roach found in Florida is the German Roach.
Why you should be concerned about roaches.
  • Roaches destroy food, and damage fabrics, bookbindings, and other materials.
  • When roaches come in contact with food, they spread disease and germs.
  • Roaches secrete an oily liquid that has a bad odor. This oily liquid can ruin food and soil your belongings.
  • Roaches leave a waste, in the form of pellets or an ink-like liquid. Their waste also has a bad odor and soils areas where they live.
How do roaches get in you house?
  • Roaches come into the house by hiding in grocery bags, clothing, and other household goods, or through openings around screens, pipes, or doors.
  • Roaches live any place where they find:
- Food,
- Water, and
- A hiding place.
How to prevent roaches from living in your house.
  • Since roaches can hide in folds of paper bags and cardboard boxes, unpack and check supplies before putting them into storage areas.
  • Check all food products for signs of roaches. Discard any food that has been in contact with roaches.
We have moved:
 
"Bo Knows" Pest Control, Inc.
106 Reid Avenue
Port St. Joe, Fl  32456
850-227-9555
 
Page 7
Office space is at a premium. Storing and searching for documents is very costly. Every office needs document scanning and electronic storage and retrieval.
 
All businesses have increased document scanning needs. The convenience along with cost and time savings has really pushed the need to scan. Before making another valuable purchase or lease it is imperative to insure your future Scanning equipment or office copiers include tools that address your future document management needs without having to add expensive options after the fact.
 
With scanning you will need to consider added server or hard drive space requirements and management. Other leading issues are scanning 2 sided documents that include blank pages. Automatically deleting the blank pages would save time and valuable memory space. Naming and directing the document at the Scanner or office copiers instead of the musical dance between your scanning device and desktop. These are just some of the functions that normally cost thousands of dollars but with new technology available on today’s Scanners and office copiers many of these document management tools are included at no additional cost. Many applications can run on any local desktop or server if preferred. The management is simple and centralized. Documents are stored and retrieved simply, effortlessly and securely. You can control all devices at your desktop with one single function or control all devices at once.
  
Some applications that should be considered before making your next office equipment investment.
 
Blank page separators
 
Separate your documents with a blank page and you’ll get separate files for each at the computer.
 
Blank page deletion
 
Default your scans to duplex mode (two-sided), even for single-sided documents. Blank sides are deleted from the job, eliminating waste.
 
Powerful OCR engine
             
Convert any scanned document into a word document that can be edited as needed
 
 Image Cleaning
 
De-skew, De-speckle, Line Removal, Punch Hole and Blob Removal.
 
 Scanner Manager
 
 Create scan targets in seconds, for the scanning device. Printback feature for simultaneous scan and 
 print. Active Directory access control with group capability.
 
 Browse to folder
 
Open folder tree at the Scanning device. Access folder root and subdirectories. Limit access to secure directory lists.
 
Filename Generation
 
Define your file-naming convention in advance. Use any input field that the user can fill out at device side as a part of the file name ( i.e. “department - company – document # - date & time.pdf” ).
 
File Format conversion
 
Convert your files into any standard industry format.      
                  
 
Terry Eisler
Senior Vice President
Copy Products Company
850-585-6231