February - Wakulla County Chamber of Commerce

Wakulla Chamber and You: Partners For Success
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
February 2016
Wakulla County Chamber
OUR
PREMIER MEMBERS
Preserving the Past…….Planning for the Future
www.wakullacountychamber.com
President’s Message
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your
Chamber President for the coming year. I look forward
to the opportunity ahead and know that 2016 will be a
very rewarding year. I’m fortunate to follow in the
footsteps of the many great leaders before me who
have made strides to enhance our business community. Over the course of the
next 12 months I look to build on some of our past goals as well as continue to
create value for our members. I would like to take a few moments to shed some
light on the work our volunteers do as ambassadors of the chamber.
Over the past several years a common question we have had to address
is how do we attract and retain members. The Chamber does this through a
myriad of ways, most notably by providing educational, training, and networking
opportunities. However, the scope of the Chambers work is much greater than
that. The Chamber is comprised of many individual committees that work
diligently addressing issues that pertain to the local business environment. For
instance, our commerce and government committee has been involved in
several issues recently that could have a significant impact on our local business. Earlier this year they gave input on the new sign ordinance that was vital
in its
construction and helped to make it less burdensome to business
owners.
The past 12 months have been an exciting time for our local EDC.
They have worked on establishing a vision plan, a mission statement, and have
been holding strategic sessions to help ensure a healthy business climate.
They are striving to attract businesses that are sensitive to our natural
resources and environment. They are working on putting process that will make
it easier to business in our community, thus making it a place that is more
attractive to business looking to move.
As the economic climate continues to improve I think it’s imperative for
the Chamber to continue to find ways to collaborate with and support local
businesses. The Chamber is fortunate to have a great partners who offer may
free services to our members. I would encourage all members to take
advantage of these. For example, a host of educational opportunities are offered
throughout the course of the year through our Ed2go classes as well as various
topics throughout the year.
continued
If there is a particular topic or conversation that you would like to discuss please
feel free to reach out to us. We’ve hosted classes on a wide variety of issues ranging from
customer service to how to use QuickBooks.
There are several exciting events that we are looking forward to in the coming
year.
The 2nd annual Wakulla County Job Fair hosted by CareerSource Capital Region
should be a great benefit to both employees and employers. The Wakulla County
Environmental Institution is set to open February 15 th. I’m personally excited to see them
grow in our community and think they can be a key driver in stimulating our local economy. As usual, our annual low county boil will be held the first weekend in April. Proceeds
from this event go to help provide a scholarship to a local high school student as well as
get earmarked for improvements to the historical courthouse.
Just as with your business, the Wakulla County Chamber of Commerce strives to
make each year better than our last.
We have a busy year planned for 2016. We’ve
elected a great slate of officer and directors. I would like to thank our outgoing president
Alan Wise for his hard work, leadership, and dedication. I have big shoes to fill but look
forward to the opportunity and challenge. Thank you again for the trust you have instilled
in me to be your 2016 Chamber of Commerce President.
Yours in Service,
Dustin Grubbs
UPCOMING EVENTS:
After Hours Networking - Join us for after—hours networking at MyEyeDr, from 68pm, Thursday, February 18
Invitations to be emailed
Networking Luncheon - noon, Wednesday, February 24, details to come
EDC Meetings - EDC meetings are held the fourth Thursday of each month. If you are
interested attending please contact our office @ 926.1848. Reservations required.
Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening - Please join us at a ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Ceremony for Wakulla Environmental Institute 3:45pmn Monday, February 15 at 170
Preservation Way, Crawfordville.
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Member Spotlight
Cuban Mojo’s Café
Name of owner: Diego Vidal
Tell us about your business (include unique facts and history) Cuban Mojo’s Café
serves authentic Cuban Cuisine including Authentic Cuban Bread
What services, products do you offer? We offer authentic Cuban Sandwiches, Cuban
pastries, Espresso’s, Café Con Leche, Empanadas and many more Cuban specialties
What sets your business apart from the competition? Our bread and pastries are
shipped to us from Miami and baked fresh by us. Our sandwiches and entrees are all
authentic, made from scratch using fresh ingredients with minimal preservatives.
What should the community/customer expect when they visit your business?
Absolutely delicious food and great, friendly service!
How long have you been a Chamber member? Since the end of 2014
Why did you join the Chamber? To become a member of the community
What Chamber services have you taken advantage of and/or will take advantage
of in the near future? Meetings and promotions
What’s your reason Wakulla residents should Shop Local? We need to grow our
community and offer job opportunities to those that live in our community
If anyone is interested in your products/services, how do they contact you?
They can call or visit our location Tuesday-Saturday 10:30 AM- 5:30, 850-567-0707, 66
Dr Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Road in Crawfordville
Address 66 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Road, Crawfordville, FL 32327
Phone Number 850-567-0707
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Networking Luncheon @ TCC Wakulla Center, Catered by Kast Net
We were off to a great start with our first monthly networking luncheon of the new year,
hosted by TCC/Wakulla Environmental Institute. We hope
that part of the amazing record of 88 attending came for
the great company and Mary’s bubbly personality but,
everyone knows that Ms. Thu at Kast Net brings on the
goods, and dessert!! Featured this month was a Greek
themed menu of salad, chicken, green beans, macaroni
casserole, rolls, and a wonderful cream cheese filled pastry.
Bob Ballard, Executive Director of WEI greeted the crowd, and let us know that the new
building is just about ready to move in, and will be hosting a ribbon cutting/Grand Opening February 15 @ 3:45pm, 170 Preservation Way (3.1 miles past Centennial Bank). Join
at this event for a taste of oysters, grown by WEI students. The February luncheon is
scheduled to be hosted at this new facility also.
Mary introduced our incoming president, Dustin Grubbs before our attendants introduced
their guests.
Dr. Rachel Sutz Pienta had invited the American Cancer Society Wakulla
Community Manager, Kelsea Clark. Kelsea is in charge of the Relay for Life from noon
until Midnight, April 30th. First time at these luncheons were Paula Johnson with Family
Funeral Home and Cremation Services, and one of our new board members, Josh Brown –
Waypoint Realty. Sheriff Creel introduced Major Jackie Martin, Jail Administrator.
Lisa Wetherton with Thrivent Financial introduced Deborah McClellan, a mortgage
originator at Hancock Bank. Stephanie Schwartz with Red Hills Radio announced that she
is looking for information and news from civic groups, churches, schools etc. to be announced on the station Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, sponsored by Prime Meridian
Bank. If you have anything you would like included please contact Stephanie at
850.386.8004 or email stephanies@redhillsradio.com. Also new to the crowd were Pauline
Hoffman, and the new center manager, both at Wakulla Medical in Panacea. Mary
introduced Commercial Loan Officer at Centennial Bank, Kelley Cannon.
Our spotlight was on Wakulla Realty. Owner/broker Sonya
Hall shared that Wakulla Realty was bought in 1999, and
was formed by Susie Tooke in 1986. Susie remains at the
company as a broker. Wakulla Realty sells real estate but is
also
a
property
management
company.
Sonya
also
introduced her staff Karen Williams, Kathy O’Neal and
Victoria Osborne. Sonya or any of her staff can be reached
at 850. 926.5084. The March spotlight will be on American Cancer Society.
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Sara Daw won the cash drawing ($1 from each attendant). Charlean Lanier asked to
share information on any known homeless people in Wakulla to get as close to an
accurate count as possible so a grant to help them can be obtained. Bill Snowden with the
Wakulla News invited everyone to the 18 th Annual Valentine’s Day celebration and parade,
and the Cupid Run/walk. Entry forms and links to the race can be found on the chamber
website.
Mary also made everyone aware of our 6 th annual
low country boil held April 2 at 3Y Ranch. Save the
date and plan to join us for a fun evening of live
music, dance, and of course awesome food with
local seafood.
Each January, Cook Insurance and one of Mary’s
premier companies, Olympus, gives a special
treat, a bottle of wine from a Florida winery
“Chautauqua” in Defuniak Springs. This year’s label was themed “May the Force be with
you”; Cook and Olympus are here to cover all your insurance needs. Through Olympus,
Cook is able to offer the distinct
capability of writing homeowners and builders risk
coverage with wind in coastal areas.
As always many thanks to individual and businesses for their contribution to our drawing:
Centennial Bank, Petra Shuff, Root 319 Salon, John Shuff, Wakulla Realty, Jim Wetherton
Marketing, American Cancer Society, Thrivent Financial, Wakulla Insurance, Lionel and
Marianne Dazevedo, Keith Key Heating & Air, Eden Springs Rehab and Nursing Facility,
Waypoint Realty, Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Shepard Accounting, and
The Wakulla News.
SAVE THE DATE
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News from our Member
We are Covenant Care.
For more than 30 years, Covenant Hospice and Covenant Alzheimer's Services have been
trusted community resources. We are now Covenant Care. Covenant Care is here for
you.
We are more than hospice.
Our shift to Covenant Care marks an important transition from a regional hospice provider
to an integrated healthcare delivery system. We will offer a range of complementary care
options including hospice, palliative, home care, Alzheimer's services and programs for
children and families. Now you can make one simple call to Covenant and benefit from
many solutions and services outside of hospice care alone.
We will help more people.
Our new platform allows Covenant Care to assist a greater number of patients sooner and
to fill gaps in healthcare and community resources - whatever those might be. We will
assess the needs of each region and respond with offerings as unique as the individual
communities in which we operate.
Watch this brief video to learn more.
Jeff Mislevy, President and CEO, photographed
with our new "Promise in Motion" fleet cars featuring our new Covenant Care logo and brand.
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Tallahassee Lenders Consortium Presents:
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2015
Business
Installation of officers & Directors
Excellence Winners
Retail
Bay Leaf Market
●
Professional Service
VCA Wakulla Animal
Hospital
●
Service Business
Capital City Bank
●
Hospitality & Tourism
Flying Papi
●
Non - Profit
Big Bend Hospice, Inc.
●
Green Business
ESG Operations, Inc.
●
Government & Schools
Wakulla Environmental
Institute
●
President’s Choice
John W. Shuff
●
Volunteer
Kathie Ann Brown
●
On Thursday Jan 28 the Wakulla County Chamber installed their new
officers and directors at the Lodge at Wakulla springs.
The board is comprised of a cross section of members who own
businesses, members who are employed by local business, individual
members and liaisons of our government. This board will spend their
next year making sure the entire membership of the chamber is
represented with the sustainability and business economic development
as its focus.
Outgoing President Alan Wise did a recap of 2015 and his year if service.
He reminded us of how important it is to be active in this and any
organization and that only by pulling together can a chamber survive and
serve the members. He talked about how the markers for recognizing
the economy is improving are becoming more and more apparent and
how we should take advantage of this in pushing forward with our
economic development plans.
Incoming president Dustin Grubbs reiterated the message of being
engaged in the overall mission of the chamber. He encouraged the new
and returning board members to recognize that they are ambassadors
for the Chamber, their business and their community.
If you are interested in the chamber Contact us at 850.926.1848
Wakulla Area Business
Rockulla Music Emporium
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