February 2008 Newsletter
Page 1
Upcoming Events
Sponsored by Panache and Petals by the Bay –
02/25/08 72nd Annual Meeting and Dinner - Centennial Building
Guest Speaker: Jimmy Patronis, State Representative
What’s Inside…
Buy Gulf
New Members
Sacred
Chamber Events
BBB Student Ethics Scholarship
GCWB Next Step Program
Gulf County Welcome Center
Covenant Hospice’s Mask Parade
A Celebration of Family and Community
10th
Everybody’s Seeing Green for 2008
Page 1
Thank You!*
For the past two years I have had the distinct honor of serving as President of the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce. Often I have heard boat owners profess that the two best days in a boater’s life are the day they buy and the day they sell. For the record, that comparison is not applicable to my experience with the Chamber.
Having grown up in Port St. Joe – I have witnessed many changes with regard to our community during the course of my life. Some for better . . . some for worse. But, as with all things change is inevitable and nothing can stand in its way. During my boyhood, I saw then that the Chamber was not only the promoter for local business but in many ways it was the conduit to the outside world of commerce. Mindful to what I have always heard my Dad say, “There is still a road north of Wewa that goes a lot of other places besides
My point is this, as our political landscape is guaranteed to change and the economy will make some and have an adverse impact on others. The Chamber has been a force and will likely continue to play a role in years to come. It has been my pleasure to serve, and soon take my place in history as a past president of the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce. So here’s my asterisk * for 2006 - 2008!
Most Sincerely,
Jim Norton
Page 2
Buy Gulf
Pledge to shift 5% of your current out-of-area purchases back into the local community!
What is the
We are asking businesses and local governments to take a look at their purchasing habits and pledge to shift just 5% of their out-of-area purchases back into the local area. That’s right, only 5% and you will help boost the
Why was the
The campaign was created in response to local business owners’ desire to build on
Who is sponsoring the campaign?
What is the goal of the campaign?
Our ultimate goal is to encourage a shift in local business-to-business purchasing so that 5% of the amount now spent outside the
of buying from local businesses and promoting area businesses. We hope to not only improve the bottom line for these businesses, but also improve the local economy overall.
How do you define a ‘local’ business?
We consider any business with operations in the
What is the potential economic impact?
According to our research, if we can achieve a 5% shift in purchasing, that could mean over $1million annually put directly back into our local economy. As this money moves through the community it ‘multiplies’ and could result in $1.5 Million in annual economic impact. That could translate into 100 jobs!
What is the potential impact on the community?
There is tremendous potential! New jobs, business growth and expansion, improved public services, better streets, parks, and schools . . .the list goes on and on! This campaign benefits all of us; the impact on the community is tremendous!
How can I help?
Just pledge to shift 5% of your current out-of-area purchases back into the local community! Whether you purchase $100 or $10,000 worth of goods annually, you will make a difference! And, let us know you’re participating by completing the
How do I find a local vendor to cover my needs?
Start with the list of Buy Gulf County Chamber Members in the directory section of the website www.gulfchamber.org. The Chamber makes its member directory available online. Search the categories there to find the vendors you need, and if you want to be included in that list, just send an email to the Chamber to become a member!
This is something we can all do to improve our community. And best of all, there is no additional cost because it’s money you’re already spending!
Where you spend your money IS someone else’s business.
Even a small shift in the amount of money now spent with companies and organizations outside the Gulf County area, to companies and
organizations within the
~ $1 million
Direct amount a spending shift of just 5% could add to the local economy
~$1.5 Million
Total economic impact the spending shift could have on our local economy
~100
Number of new jobs that could be gained from a 5% spending shift to area and organizations
Page 3
New Members
Pastor Howard Riley
Port
Phone: 850-229-6235
Phone: 276-733-0252C
TarponTarponTarpon.com
Capt. Keith Grimes
Port St. Joe, Fl 32456
Phone: 850-509-0573
Ashley Good, Publisher
Rhonda Mayo, Exec. Editor
Phone: 850-527-4323
Fax: 850-747-1976
Page 3
Did you know?
Individuals can be a Chamber Member!
These benefits are just a sampling of the programs & opportunities that the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce offers. . .
Newsletter:
- Keeps members informed of Chamber news, events & pertinent issues.
Networking:
- Attend the many opportunities throughout the year and people will get to know you and support your business.
Website:
- Includes a member database online along with free website links.
Community Improvement:
- Membership in the Chamber of Commerce is an investment in your community.
Education:
- Seminars made available to help create a strong, well educated workforce.
Business Directory:
- Utilize a free alphabetical and categorical listing of members only.
For more information contact the
Gulf
155 Capt. Fred’s Place,
Phone: 850-227-1223 Fax: 850-227-9684
Website: www.GulfChamber.org Email: Info@GulfChamber.org
Page 3
Bids Expected for New Hospital in Gulf County
Sacred Heart Health System and Greenhut Construction Co. expect to receive bids by Feb. 7 for construction of the new 25-bed hospital to be built in
Greenhut Construction was selected as construction manager for the new
Greenhut’s project managers presented the hospital design plans and gave local contractors the opportunity to discuss the scope and cost of the project, the materials needed, and specifics of various subcontracts. In turn, Greenhut construction managers asked local contractors about their experience and capabilities.
“The job fair was tremendous and well received by the area contractors. They were very responsive,” said Kevin Spellman, senior project manager for Greenhut Construction. “We will make every effort to give local businesses and qualified contractors a piece of this major project.”
The process of trucking fill dirt and leveling parts of the 27-acre site has begun, along with work to prepare the foundation of the building. The site will be elevated to 14.7 feet above sea level to protect the facility against storm surge from future hurricanes. Sacred Heart also is obtaining permits to extend the utilities needed at the construction site.
Based on the latest projections, the hospital is expected to be completed in the summer of 2009. The new
- A community hospital with 25 private rooms, an emergency department, and two operating rooms.
- An urgent care clinic to treat minor injuries and illnesses
- Laboratory services
- Diagnostic imaging services such as CT scans, x-ray, ultrasound and mammography
- A
- A helipad to be used by Sacred Heart’s AirHeart helicopter, providing rapid transport for trauma patients and other critically ill patients to a
The Sacred Heart Foundation has raised $2 million from community businesses, institutions and individual donors as part of its continuing campaign to support the hospital. In addition, the St. Joe Community Foundation has contributed $1.5 million.
“We’re thrilled with the support coming forth from the community,” said Dr. Henry Roberts, president of the Sacred Heart Foundation. “The dollars donated will be used to add specialized equipment and to upgrade the furnishings and other interior amenities of the hospital.”
Page 4
Chamber Events
Photos Courtesy Debbie Hooper, Katie Patronis, Sonny Chafin, Suzanne Doran
Grand Opening and
Business Before Hours – sponsored by Bluewater Realty of
Oprah spotlights Shaklee’s “Get Clean” products on her Favorite Things show,
Our very own Chamber member and Shaklee Independent Distributor, Patty Waldo, shows us a variety of these products.
George Washington Elementary/High School Museum Grand Opening
Page 5
Photos Courtesy: Debbie Hooper, Katie Patronis, Sonny Chafin
Jimmy Patronis, State Representative, District 6, was at the Indian Pass Raw Bar in January for a community Meet and Greet.
Snowbird Welcome Lunch
Southern Resorts hosted its First Annual Snowbird Welcome Lunch at the new Barefoot Cottages in Port. St. Joe on Friday, January 11th. Open to all visiting winter guests along
“We were excited at the turn-out and the opportunity to meet more snowbirds in the area. Our cottages have so much to offer winter guests and were fortunate that we could showcase them at the lunch, “says Mike Shoults, owner, Southern Resorts.
Southern Resorts offered door prizes, discount rates for monthly reservations this year and next as well as had both two bedroom and three bedroom cottages available for tours.
Page 6
BBB® offers Student Ethics Scholarship to local students
Pensacola, Fla. (January 10, 2008) – Your Better Business Bureau® of Northwest Florida is currently accepting applications from students in Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington county high schools for its 2008 BBB Student Ethics Scholarship program.
The program offers nine $1,000 scholarships to current high school juniors and seniors who plan to attend an accredited college in the or .
“The scholarship is designed to reward students who personify ethics and personal integrity,” said Norman Wright, President and CEO of your BBB. “Today’s students are the leaders of tomorrow, and the ethics and integrity they forge today will guide them as they transition into the professional world.”
Local leaders from business and academia will serve as judges and award the scholarships based on criteria including leadership, community service, academic achievement and an essay response on building character.
Award recipients will be notified in April and awards will be presented in conjunction with the BBB Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics luncheons this May.
To apply for the scholarship, students should contact their principal or guidance counselor, or download an application at www.nwfl.bbb.org/TorchAward. Entries must be postmarked by
For more information, or to inquire about sponsoring a scholarship, contact your BBB at (850) 429-0002 or start with bbb.org.
Page 6
GCWB Launches Next Step
The Gulf Coast Workforce Board and it partners are launching a new program called “Next Step” to provide free training for approximately 200 employed workers.
The program is made possible by Workforce
In order to qualify for the training, workers must 1) be currently employed; 2) have a child under the age of 18 in the home or be pregnant; 3) live in Bay, Gulf or Franklin Counties; and 4) have a low annual income (certain thresholds apply).
|
Family Size |
Annual Income |
|
2 |
$36,340 |
|
3 |
$49,880 |
|
4 |
$61,580 |
|
5 |
$72,680 |
|
6 |
$85,000 |
|
7 |
$97,320 |
|
8 |
$109,640 |
As part of the program,
“Community colleges are especially important in today’s ever-changing economy,” said Dr. Jim Kerley, President of Gulf Coast Community College. “We are the people’s colleges and we are the best entity to restore
The GCWB is currently enrolling participants in the Next Step Program. Interested employers and workers are asked to call Arifa Garman at 850-227-9670.
Page 7
The
The Gulf County Tourist Development Council is delighted about the opportunities to support tourism activities in our area. Their new home will host a variety of activities hat range from monthly meetings in the conference room to Snowbird receptions on the beautiful 2,000 square foot deck overlooking
Visitors will have access to brochures promoting local activities and venues, a multi-media kiosk so that they can customize their vacations, unlimited wireless internet access for the many vacationers how want to keep in touch; or simply enjoy a glass of Florida Orange Juice will sitting in a rocker enjoying the perfect sunset.
The Center has a large reception room for visitor information and gallery area to promote local art. Additionally, the state of the art conference room will be available for public/ civic use. Paula Pickett, Director of the Gulf County Tourist Development Council, stated that, “We fully expect that this center will provide a much needed civic space of our community, and are eager show it off. Windolf Construction has been doing a beautiful job on the renovation and I think the community will be very proud of this facility.” Indigenous materials such as heart of pine and cypress will be used throughout the reception and conference areas. “Our heritage is a direct result of the timber industry and we wanted to honor that.” says Pickett.
The project is on schedule and is expected to open in late March. A grand opening celebration is being planned and the Tourist Development Council can’t wait for all to see.
Page 7
MASK PARADE EXHIBIT AND WALKING TOUR –
SEE THIS YEAR’S COLLECTION OF BEAUTIFUL MASKS PAINTED BY CELEBRITIES AND LOCAL ARTISTS
Join Covenant Hospice and WMBB-TV for a guided walking tour and opening reception to view this year’s collection of more than 80 masks created by local artists and celebrities for Covenant Hospice’s Sixth Annual Mask Parade Gala. The event begins at
Masks will be displayed through March 21 at the
