JULY 18TH11:30amAmbassadors “Let’s Do Lunch” @ Johnny O’Quigley’s Ale House
JULY 20TH12:00pmPILOT Committee Meeting @ Hub City Smokehouse
JULY 21ST12:00pmRibbon Cutting for SportClips @ 1900 S Ferdon Blvd ste 100
JULY 27TH4:00pmBoard of Directors Meeting @ the Crestview Chamber
PAGE 2 CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | CRESTVIEWCHAMBER.COM Like No Other Place You Know
THANKS TO OUR 2017 CORPORATE SPONSORS
OFFICERSChristie Cadenhead (Community Bank) Chairman of the BoardDawn Mann (Legacy Insurance of Northwest Florida) Past ChairmanCraig Shaw (Shaw Moving & Storage) TreasurerJoe Faulk (Edward Jones) Vice Chair membershipRita Smith (CareerSource Okaloosa/Walton) Vice Chair CommunityYvonne Shanklin (Edward Jones) Vice Chair Strategic DevelopmentSherrell Compton (New Life International Worship Center) Vice Chair EventsTom Moody (Old Warrior Ranch) Chairman Emeritus
BOARD OF DIRECTORSCLASS OF 2020
Jamil Harris (Cornerstone Financial)Sandra Dreaden (Crestview Public Library)Carla Reinlie (Northwest Florida State College)Alicia Booker (North Okaloosa Medical Center)Dino Sinopoli (Re/Max Agency One)
BOARD OF DIRECTORSCLASS OF 2019
Dale Rice (Hancock Bank)Destin Cobb (Carr, Riggs & Ingram)Robyn Helt (Elite Real Estate Services of NWFL, LLC)Laurin Wheelock (Trustmark Bank Mortgage)Mark Clark (Okaloosa Gas)Anne Shaffield (CareerSource Okaloosa/Walton)
BOARD OF DIRECTORSCLASS OF 2018
Alison Broxson (Shoal Creek Rehabilitation Center)Ashley McCallum (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University)David Gaillard (Air Care A/C & Heating Services, Inc.)Betsy Roy (City of Crestview)Amy Herf (Rodan & Fields Consultant)Ashley Rogers (Chesser & Barr, P.A.)
STAFFValerie Lott - President & CEO Jennifer Pierson - Executive AssistantSandra Wilson - Membership & Events Coordinator
FOCUS is a publication of the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, 1447 Commerce Drive, Crestview, FL 32539, (850) 682 3212 • Fax (850) 682 7413
Published and printed by The Northwest Florida Daily News. Submit articles to the Chamber at the numbers listed above or by email at [email protected].
IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE
FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDby Christie Cadenhead
From the Chairman of the Board . . . . . . Page 2
Business Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
New and Renewed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
July 2017 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5
Committee Descriptions 2017-2018 . . . Page 6
After Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7
Meet Your 2017-2018 Board of Directors . . Page 8
Breakfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9
Hub City Smokehouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10
IF YOUR BUSINESS IS INTERESTED IN SPONSORING THE FOCUS, PLEASE CONTACT
THE CHAMBER STAFF (850) 682-3212.
C=0 M=0 Y=0 K=60 C=0 M=0 Y=0 K=30 C=10 M=100 Y=100 K=0 C=0 M=75 Y=70 K=0
This publication is designed & paginated by Red8 Creative.
www.red8creative.com
PUBLISHING INFORMATION
Happy New Year!It’s finally here! It’s the 61st
year of the Crestview Chamber of Commerce. Sixty one years! Over six decades of making the Crestview area community a great place to live, work, and do business. I’m proud to officially be your Chairman and I’m looking forward to all of the things that we can accomplish together in
the year to come. At the Installation Dinner we swore in a new group of Board members and I know they are all just as excited as I am to get this year started. We also have a brand new group of committee chairs who are already making plans to grow their committees and events. Everyone is putting their best foot forward and not looking back. That includes me!
One of the things I’ve asked our Board to consider this year is the Chamber’s mission statement:
We are the premier business advocate in the Crestview area community, providing membership services and pro-active leadership to promote responsible economic develop-ment, business success, and a high quality of life.
I want to focus on this statement in all that we do this year. We ARE the premier business advocate! We value our members and do our best to help them grow. We want to promote YOU! We have the staff, board members, and countless volunteers standing by to help you succeed!
If you are a member of this Chamber (the best Chamber in Northwest Florida) I ask you to join me, in making a commitment to honor our mission state-ment each and every day. How you might ask? Get involved! Join a committee, attend a ribbon cutting,
host an After Hours, or simply reach out to a fellow Chamber member to introduce yourself. Anyone can do it! And the best part is…. It’s FUN!
If you are not a member of this Chamber, you should be! We want big businesses, small businesses, clubs, groups, and individuals all to feel the benefits of Chamber membership. There is absolutely nothing like it!
If there is anything that I can do for you, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I’m looking forward to a great year and I hope that you are too.
I’ll see you soon!
Christie CadenheadCommunity BankAssistant Vice President, Loan OfficerNMLS # 1413107(850) [email protected]
Christie Cadenhead
PAGE 3CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | CRESTVIEWCHAMBER.COMLike No Other Place You Know
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT:Consolidated Ace Group
Consolidated Ace Hardware is located at 702 North Ferdon Blvd in Crestview, Fl. Consolidated Ace currently operates 6 hardware stores throughout the Florida Panhandle and South Alabama. The Crestview location has operated under the Consolidated Ace name for 23 years and we look forward to many more years in this great community.
While many see the name Ace Hardware and think of the basic categories of fasteners, electrical and plumbing, Consolidated Ace provides much more than what you might realize. At Consolidated Ace locations, you will also find many niche categories such as FRM, Nutrena, and HMC livestock feed, Big Green Egg and Traeger grills, pool supplies (with free water sample testing), lumber, lawn and garden, as well as premium pet foods such as Taste of the Wild and Blue Buffalo.
Consolidated Ace prides itself on providing the best customer service to every
customer that allows us the opportunity to serve them. We offer quality products at competitive prices then combine that with a knowledgeable staff that can assist you in finding the right products to not only start but also to complete your projects. Our mission statement of “Whatever it Takes”, means that we want to do whatever it takes to earn your present and future business.
1. Bank draft
2. Credit card payment
3. Kiosks
4. Paperless billing
5. Prepay
6. Average billing
7. E-check
Visit chelco.com or call (850) 892-2111 to find out more.
PAYMyWAYPick the best way to pay!
NF-
1094
1096
6520150
Introducing Touch ID® loginfor our mobile banking app.Your new single-digit password.
The latest update to our mobile banking app introduces Touch ID support for iPhone users. Accessing your finances has never been faster or easier – now all you need is your fingerprint. (Available for Android users later this year)
Coming Soon…Card Valet, manage debit cardsat the touch of a button.
Download our updated mobile banking app to get started.
Andalusia(334) 222-2561
Opp(334) 493-2259
Crestview(850) 682-0484
Niceville(850) 279-3886
NF-
1094
1095
CONSOLIDATED
Like No Other Place You Know - www.crestviewchamber.com
PAGE 4 CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | CRESTVIEWCHAMBER.COM Like No Other Place You Know
Renee Hittle, Mary Kay Independent Beauty ConsultantAdvanced Aerial Operations LLCEdward Jones, Joe FaulkCrestview Rotary ClubCrestview Technical Air Park, LLC (CTAP)Mack’s Auto TechMyRVmail.comOkaloosa Farm Bureau Insurance ServicesThe Main Street Land Title Co, Inc.Pensacola Nephrology, PA dba Renalus Center for Kidney Care1st Choice CleaningWaltz, Inc.Air Force Enlisted Village
Gulf Coast Home HealthHub City Glass & MirrorPic N Sav 772 Food Giant SupermarketsNorth Okaloosa Physician Group, Digestive Care SpecialistNorth Okaloosa Physician Group, Pediatric SpecialistsCrestview PharmacyFriends of Matt GaetzPerfect Fit 24-7 Childcare Network #183Childcare Network #268Emerald Coast HospiceLandrum HRSpring Creek Apartments
Allstate Insurance Company Ed OverstreetAMVETS Post 35, Inc. Liz WeslbyAuburn Water System Doug SimsDr. Steven C. Barry, DMD Steven BarryBay Area Awards & Engraving, Inc. Dennis DwyerBayou Mechanical Carey HuffBlocker Bail Bonds Darrel BlockerBuffalo Rock/Pepsi Ashley SabaCadenhead Development, Inc. Robert CadenheadCasey Electric, Inc. Roger CaseyChoctawhatchee Electric Cooperative (CHELCO), Inc. C.A. ‘’Sinder’’ PerringColdwell Banker Residential Real Estate Martiel SummittConsolidated Ace Hardware & Supply Co. Pete ElkinsCopy Products Company David BuckelewCrestview Chiropractic Clinic Anita Kelly DukesCity of Crestview JB WhittenCrestview City Clerk Elizabeth RoyCity of Crestview Shannon HayesCrestview Mayor David CadleCrestview News Bulletin Thomas Boni
Crestview Senior High School Dexter DayDay’s Tire & Service Center Kim DayEcono Lodge Harry MeltonEglin Federal Credit Union Karen FranklinERA American Realty Linde BowmanHancock Bank Pennie HartzogHancock Bank Dale RiceDr. Micheal G. Foley, MD, PA Michael FoleyFriends of the Crestview LibraryGordon Air Conditioning Thomas GordonGulf Power Company Drew AyresDr. David A. Herf, MD David HerfHorizons of Okaloosa County LA WoodallHub City Ford, Inc. Chris DaggsKing Electric Company Larry KingNorth Okaloosa Medical Center Alicia BookerOkaloosa Gas District Mark ClarkOkaloosa Title & Abstract Ava PowellCrestview Rehabilitation Center Danielle FrancoPayroll Management, Inc./PMI Dan RobertsonRE/MAX Agency One Geraldine House
Riverwood Luxury Apartments Sarah SavageRocky Bayou Christian School Mike MosleyShaw Moving & Storage Craig ShawSpeedee Printing, Inc. Rose GoodwinCenturyLink Carmen ButlerState Farm Insurance Ann Teel HatcherSunshine Aero Flight Test Facility Bob KellerDr. Richard Thomas, DDS Richard ThomasTom Thumb Food Stores Mark SalisburyUniform Connection & Trophies Customized Services RayUnited Way Rick OwenWal-Mart Supercenter Charlie StokesWaterfront Rescue Mission, Inc. Brenda HudgensWendy’s Roger WebbWise Equipment Sales & Service Jim WiseNorth Okaloosa Medical Center Pam MeadowsEglin Federal Credit Union Vivian GonzalezBuycableties.com Stephen DaltonPat Hollarn Pat HollarnMarquis Cinema 10 Nels Offerdahl
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Ashley McCallumSenator Don Gaetz Don GaetzGulf Power Company Scott BenderCTAP Dennis MitchellFreedom Bible College & Seminary - Emerald Coast Branch DeLois JacksonAlpha & Omega Christian Learning Center DeLois JacksonBoudreaux’s Jeff JonesCrestview Sister City Program Brian HughesCommon Ground Community Garden of Crestview Catherine WardBob Jones Aero Services Bob JonesZaxby’s Stephen HayThe Lewis Diamond Gallery Rachel RussellBBVA Compass Robin DonlonEssence Salon & Spa Danielle Josey LambertAmy Herf Rodan and Fields Consultant Amy HerfRollin EZ Tobacco Christine AlbertWaffle House Brenda DiStasiLee Automotive Group Marian McBrydeDavid’s Catfish House Bill SpurlinUSAA Lori Barnes
THANK YOU MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
TIME TO RENEW
NEW AND RENEWEDNaomi Barnes Individual Member
Merrill Lynch David Riffe | (850) 864-6103 45 Eglin Pkwy NE, Suite 102, FWB [email protected]
Andre S Butler Individual Member
Guardian Anti-Bullying Campaign, Inc. Mark Anthony | (850) 812-1676 [email protected]
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
PAGE 5CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | CRESTVIEWCHAMBER.COMLike No Other Place You Know
JULY CHAMBER MEETINGS & EVENTS
JULY 4TH Crestview Chamber Closed in Observance of Independence Day
JULY 11TH MAC Committee meeting 11:00am @ Samuel’s Roadhouse
JULY 12TH Government Issues Committee Meeting 8:30am @ the Crestview Chamber
JULY 18TH Ambassadors “Let’s Do Lunch” 11:30am @ Johnny O’Quigley’s Ale House
JULY 19TH Health & Wellness Committee Meeting 8:30am @ the Crestview Chamber
JULY 20TH PILOT Committee Meeting 12:00pm @ Hub City Smokehouse
JULY 20TH Executive Committee Meeting 4:00pm @ the Crestview Chamber
JULY 21ST Ribbon Cutting for SportClips 12:00pm @ 1900 S Ferdon Blvd ste 100
JULY 26TH Ambassador Committee Meeting 8:30am @ the Crestview Chamber
JULY 27TH Board of Directors Meeting 4:00pm @ the Crestview Chamber
JULY COMMUNITY MEETINGS & EVENTS
JULY 3RD Smoke on the Coast 5:00-10:00pm @ Destin Commons
JULY 3RD Investing Class | Making your Money Last 6:00pm @ the Crestview Public Library
JULY 5TH Crestview Kiwanis & Rotary Meeting 12:00pm @ Samuel’s Roadhouse
JUNE 10TH City of Crestview Council Meeting 6:00pm @ City Hall
JULY 10TH Investing Class | Health Care & your Retirement 6:00pm @ the Crestview Public Library
JULY 11TH GFWC Woman’s Club of Crestview 9:30-10:30am @ 150 Woodlawn
JULY 11TH Poetry and Music Jam 6:00pm @ the Crestview Public Library
JULY 11TH Shoal River Republican Club 6:00pm @ Hideaway Pizza
JULY 12TH-13TH 38th Marvin DeBolt Daily News Junior Golf Classic this is a 2 day event held at Eglin Golf Course in Niceville.
JULY 12TH Crestview Kiwanis & Rotary Meeting 12:00pm @ Samuel’s Roadhouse
JULY 17TH Investing Class | Preparing Your Estate Plan 6:00pm @ the Crestview Public Library
JULY 19TH Crestview Kiwanis & Rotary Meeting 12:00pm @ Samuel’s Roadhouse
JULY 19TH RA Capozzola Lodge Sons of Italy Meeting 6:00pm @ Foxwood Country
JULY 20TH Crestview Main Street Association meeting 8:00am @ FAMU
JULY 20TH Veteran Career Expo 10:00am-2:00pm @ the Crestview Community Center
JULY 22ND 4th Annual Fudpoker Run Jet Ski Classic 8:00am-5:00pm @ Fudpuckers on the Island
JULY 24TH City of Crestview Council Meeting 6:00pm @ City Hall
JULY 24TH Crestview Writers group 6:00pm @ the Crestview Public
JULY 26TH Crestview Kiwanis & Rotary Meeting 12:00pm @ Samuel’s Roadhouse
JULY 29TH No Child Without Health Care Fair 10:00am-2:00pm @ Crestview High School
For additional information about the events listed, please visit our website
crestviewchamber.com
J U LY 2 0 1 7 C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T SFOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE EVENTS LISTED, PLEASE VISIT WWW.CRESTVIEWCHAMBER.COM
CHAMBER AMBASSADORS
PAGE 6 CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | CRESTVIEWCHAMBER.COM Like No Other Place You Know
Hard Core Tire & AutoLocally Owned and OperatedNew/Used Tires & Auto Repair
Alignments850.689.6662
Open 7 days a week!861 W. James Lee Blvd.
(Hwy 90 W.)NF-
1093
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NF-109410996522427www.wiseequipment.com
1147 South Ferdon Blvd.Crestview, Florida 32536
Phone • 682-3366Fax (850) 682-6120
WISE EQUIPMENT SALES AND SERVICELike No Other
Place You Knowwww.crestviewchamber.com
AIRPORT COMMITTEEThis Committee’s purpose is to facilitate the most effective ways
to maintain and maximize the usage of the facilities and functions of the Bob Sikes Airport; to utilize them fairly for all users of the
airport; to promote the overall aviation environment in North Okaloosa County, Florida and to encourage effective communications between the airport community and chamber members. This should be accomplished with regard to operational needs, anticipated growth and within the limits of economic feasibility.CHAIR: DENNIS MITCHELL ([email protected]) Crestview Technology Air Park
Meetings for the Airport committee are held quarterly. For more information please contact the chamber office.
AMBASSADOR COMMITTEEThe Ambassador Committee assists in welcoming new businesses
through ribbon cuttings, ground breaking ceremonies, grand open-ings, and personal visits. This highly visible committee will provide
you an excellent opportunity to personally network your business or organizational interests. Ambassadors are called to serve as greeters and escorts at various Chamber functions, such as the monthly Chamber breakfast meeting.CHAIR: Amber Ellis ([email protected]) Synovus Mortgage
Monthly Meeting Schedule:Ambassador Let’s do Lunch every Third Tuesday of the Month @ 11:30amAmbassador Committee Meeting every last Wednesday of the Month @ 8:30am (The Ambassador Committee meets at a different local member business each month,
please be sure to check our Event Calendar or our Facebook page for the location.)
GOVERNMENT ISSUES COMMITTEEThe eyes and ears of the Chamber of Commerce for local, state,
national legislative issues, laws and ordinance that directly or indi-rectly affects or restricts the ability of our members or a member to conduct business. This committee will recommend policy positions
to the Executive Officers and subsequently to the Board of Directors as necessary. They may also sponsor candidate forums and/or meetings with elected officials and will, on occasion, attend city council and county commissioner meetings.CHAIR: Brian Corlew ([email protected]) Chesser & Barr P.A.
Monthly Meeting Schedule: 2nd Wednesday, 8:30 am @ the Chamber
HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMITTEEThe Health & Wellness Committee’s mission is to promote health
and wellness throughout the Crestview Area. The committee focuses on monthly blood pressure and blood sugar checks offered to cham-ber members at the monthly breakfast meetings, an annual commu-nity wide health fair, and support of various health related opportu-
nities throughout the year. Members of the committee do not have to be in a health related field; just have an interest in promoting health for themselves and others. [email protected]
Monthly Meeting Schedule: 3rd Wednesday, 8:30am @ the Chamber
MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (MAC)This committee provides a great opportunity to find out what’s
going on in our Military Community. Representatives for Eglin AFB, Duke Field, Hurlburt Field and the US Army Ranger Camp
keep us in the loop of ongoing events, change of commands and many more topics concerning each base.
For their support and contribution, MAC members enjoy many military events such as change of command, retirement ceremonies, base tours etc.CHAIR: MARIAN MCBRYDE ([email protected])
Monthly Meeting Schedule: 2nd Tuesday, 11am @ Samuel’s Roadhouse.*Annual fees apply. Please call the Chamber for more information.
PILOT (PROFESSIONAL AND INSPIRED LEADERS OF TOMORROW (PILOT)
This committee’s mission is to: encourage and enhance profes-sional development in young leaders of the Crestview Community
ages 21-41 by providing social interaction and networking opportunities; by present-ing topics related to personal and professional enhancement; and by participating in civic duties and activities to strengthen and develop our community.CHAIR: Johnny C. Alexander ([email protected]) Jack of All Trades
Meeting times: 3rd Thursday, 12pm - please visit the Chamber calendar link or the PILOT Facebook page for this month’s location.
JOIN A COMMITTEE TODAY
PAGE 7CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | CRESTVIEWCHAMBER.COMLike No Other Place You Know
AFTER HOURS
FOR HOSTING JUNE'S AFTER HOURS EVENT
THANK YOUToolan Development
SEPTEMBER'S AFTER HOURSSPONSORED BY:
Beltone Hearing Center2670 South Ferdon Blvd Unit 105September 14th from 5:00-6:30pm
PAGE 8 CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | CRESTVIEWCHAMBER.COM Like No Other Place You Know
M E E T Y O U R 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERSChairman of the Board | Christie Cadenhead | Community Bank
Past Chairman | Dawn Mann | Legacy Insurance of Northwest FloridaTreasurer | Craig Shaw | Shaw Moving & StorageVice Chair membership | Joe Faulk | Edward Jones
Vice Chair Community | Rita Smith | CareerSource Okaloosa/WaltonVice Chair Strategic Development | Yvonne Shanklin | Edward Jones
Vice Chair Events | Sherrell Compton | New Life International Worship CenterChairman Emeritus | Tom Moody | Old Warrior Ranch
BOARD OF DIRECTORS | CLASS OF 2020Jamil Harris | Cornerstone Financial
Sandra Dreaden | Crestview Public LibraryCarla Reinlie | Northwest Florida State CollegeAlicia Booker | North Okaloosa Medical Center
Dino Sinopoli | Re/Max Agency One
BOARD OF DIRECTORS | CLASS OF 2019Dale Rice | Hancock Bank
Destin Cobb | Carr, Riggs & IngramRobyn Helt | Elite Real Estate Services of NWFL, LLC
Laurin Wheelock | Trustmark Bank MortgageMark Clark | Okaloosa Gas
Anne Shaffield | CareerSource Okaloosa/Walton
BOARD OF DIRECTORS | CLASS OF 2018Alison Broxson | Shoal Creek Rehabilitation Center
Ashley McCallum | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityDavid Gaillard | Air Care A/C & Heating Services, Inc.
Betsy Roy | City of CrestviewAmy Herf | Rodan & Fields ConsultantAshley Rogers | Chesser & Barr, P.A.
OUR VISIONOur members are dedicated to making the Crestview area community a great place to live, work, and do business.
OUR MISSIONWe are the premier business advocate in the Crestview area community, providing membership services and proactive
leadership to promote responsible economic development, business success, and a high quality of life.
PAGE 9CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | CRESTVIEWCHAMBER.COMLike No Other Place You Know
CHEERS & TEARS
JUNE 1ST7:00amMonthly Chamber Networking Breakfast @ the Crestview Community Center
JUNE 8TH5:00pm-6:30pmBusiness After Hours hosted by Toolan Development @ 5516 Frontier Drive
JUNE 15TH8:30am-11:30amAnnual Board Retreat@ the Crestview Chamber
SAVE THE DATEAnnual Installation & Awards BanquetThursday, June 22nd 5:30 p.m.@ the Crestview Community Center
Century 21 Wilson Minger Agency, Inc |
Carol Strom
Consolidated Ace Hardware & Supply Co.
Crestview Public Library
Dermatology Specialists of Florida
Eglin Federal Credit Union
Elegant Vue Event Center
Emerald Coast Association of Realtors
Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center
Fred Astaire Dance Studio
Great Clips
iQor
Lee Buick GMC
Pawsitively Scrumptious Bark
Bakery & Boutique
RE/MAX Agency One, Inc. | Dino Sinopoli
Rocky Bayou Christian School
Shoal Creek Rehabilitation Center
Toolan Development, Inc
Zaxby’s
CHEERS!50/50 | $53
Glenn Little | Barnes Insurance
Let it Ride | $375
Jack of All Trades Productions | Johnny
Alexander
Thank you to the following businesses for providing door prizes
at the June breakfast meeting:
HIGHLIGHTS FROM JUNE'SCHAMBER BREAKFAST
The Crestview Chamber will not be holding a Networking Breakfast in July due to the Independence Day holiday.
Please be sure to join us onTHURSDAY, AUGUST 3RD
at the Crestview Community Center. Networking begins at 7:00am and the program at 7:30am.
The entry fee for the Networking Breakfast is $5.
We are now offering “BREAKFAST CLUB CARDS.”
This card allows you to pre-pay the entry fee for the year! If you would like more information,
please contact the Chamber Staff, 682-3212 or [email protected]
PAGE 10 CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | CRESTVIEWCHAMBER.COM Like No Other Place You Know
The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association celebrating its 80th year in supporting Florida’s retail industry, today named Michael Carroll, owner of Hub City Smokehouse & Grill in Crestview, as its 2017 Florida Retailer of the Year. This is the 19th year in a row that FRF has selected a retailer of the year, and Michael will be honored with this pres-tigious award during a special luncheon on June 8 at the Vinoy Renaissance Hotel in St. Petersburg. Ray & Jody Hetchka of Kayak Amelia in Fernandina Beach and April Meier of Pawsitively Scrumptious Bark Bakery & Boutique in Crestview will be recognized as Outstanding Retail Leaders dur-ing the ceremony.
“We are proud to honor Michael as a tremendous representative of Florida’s retailers and the impact our industry can have both on our customers and community,” said R. Scott Shalley, FRF President & CEO. “Michael’s contributions locally, via his service on multiple non-profit boards and significant time spent volunteering, highlight the many ways that retailers are making a difference throughout Florida.”
Michael and his wife started the small Hub City Smokehouse & Grill in 2011 in a five table, 900 sq.ft. section of an industrial strip center. After gaining a well-known name and loyal following, Hub City moved to a location on Main Street in 2015. Creative endeavors such as shot glasses traded for BBQ, personalized aprons for regu-lar customers, and unique menu offerings helped the business grow. Michael, who is retired from the U.S. Air Force, volunteers extensively in his community serving on boards of Main Street Crestview and the Crestview Local Planning Agency, has held positions with the Rotary and is active in school district and city youth programs. He also supports projects such as Wounded Warriors through Hub City.
“It is an honor to be recognized by the Florida Retail Federation as the 2017 Retailer of the Year, and I want to thank FRF for this award and for their continued commit-ment to our industry,” said Michael Carroll. “I also want to thank my wife Loretta our dedicated customers, and our incredibly hard working team at Hub City Smokehouse & Grill for their focus on excellent customer service, as well as service to our com-munity.”
Two other retailers will be honored as “Outstanding Retail Leaders” for their com-mitment to the retail industry and their community. These retailers will also be recog-nized at the 2017 Florida Retailer of the Year awards ceremony in June:
Ray & Jody Hetchka | Kayak Amelia | Fernandina BeachSince their beginnings as a “Mom and Pop” kayak operation 21 years ago, the
Hetchkas have grown their business to offerings that include guided kayak, Segway and stand up paddleboard eco-tours, self-guided bike and kayak rentals and an earth-friendly gift shop. The couple has served on and worked with numerous boards and organizations that promote the Amelia Island / Fernandina Beach area and tourism in Florida. They donate their boats and other services for fundraisers. Coordinating with the National Park Service, the Hetchkas support the Timucuan Rangers, a program which brings children from Jacksonville’s urban core out to the beach.
April Meier | Pawsitively Scrumptious Bark Bakery & Boutique | Crestview
Retired Air Force veteran April Meier started this retail store located in down-town Crestview four years ago. The business provides holistic pet foods and typical pet toys and accessories. April is active in numerous business organiza-tions and also mentors other business members. Her singular efforts raised over $65,000 toward the completion of the Crestview Bark Park, which is scheduled to open this summer. She also helped raise funds for the Crestview Police Department to purchase two working canines and provided north Okaloosa County Area Fire Departments with “Waggin O2 Fur Life,” Aubu-Bag kits to assist with life-saving oxygen masks for pets that might be involved in a home fire, among other efforts.
The Retailer of the Year award, sponsored by FRF since 1999, honors Florida retailers who blend sound business practices with commitments to their communities, customers and employees. FRF issues a statewide call for nominations, with the award open to both members and non-members of the non-profit trade association. Eligible retailers are all those who work for, own, or operate a Florida retail business that has an annual sales volume of $5 million or less. Nominations were received from communi-ties around the state. A selection panel made up of small business owners and other retail experts ranked nominees based on their scores in several categories, including community service and business acumen.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATIONThe Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing retail-
ers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year. For more information, visit the FRF website, and follow FRF on Facebook and Twitter.
HUB CITY SMOKEHOUSEMEMBER ARTICLE
HUB CITY SMOKEHOUSE & GRILL’S MICHAEL CARROLL Named 2017 Florida Retailer of the YearCarroll, owner of Crestview’s growing popular BBQ restaurant, was selected as the recipient of retail trade association’s prestigious award for his service to customers and community.
PAGE 11CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | CRESTVIEWCHAMBER.COMLike No Other Place You Know
PAGE 12 CRESTVIEW AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | CRESTVIEWCHAMBER.COM Like No Other Place You KnowCrestview Area Chamber of Commerce1447 Commerce Drive, Crestview, FL 32539RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
PRSRT STD | U.S. POSTAGE PAIDCrestview, FL 32536 | PERMIT #31
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