News

May is Military Appreciation Month

Military Appreciation Month promotes and improves quality of life for area military members in Escambia County. This initiative is our annual month-long salute to the men and women who volunteer to serve our country in time of war and also provide for the largest economic engine in our community. We organize all events as well as coordinate and partner with various other entities (Pensacola Pelicans, Escambia School District Essay Contest, Spouse Appreciation Luncheon, Special Recognition in Media Outlets, Patriotic Signage, Banners, Buttons, etc.) to provide opportunities for our local heroes and those returning from combat to receive recognition and participate in local events. Military Appreciation Month is also the feature this month on our Today's Chamber TV Show, which will air on Cox Channels 19, 4 and 2 during the month of May. Visit us online at www.pensacolachamber.com and click on Armed Services for a complete listing Military Appreciation Month events and activities.

Legislative Update: Economic Development

The Chamber is tracking the Research Commercialization Matching Grant Program. HB 593 and SB 1120 creates a program to assist companies that take advantage of federal and state partnerships to accelerate their growth and market penetration.

Another bill the Chamber is tracking is the Research and Development Tax Credit.  HB 733 and CS/SB 1398 would create a research and development tax credit program to encourage corporate research and development activity and attract high-wage, professional research jobs to Florida.

IP Granted Draft Permit

Last week International Paper Company (IP) was granted a draft permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The draft permit is essentially the license to operate the IP plant. IP provides over 500 high wage jobs in this community which makes IP a major economic generator for our community. To educate the public on this matter, IP has launched a website www.protectourecosystem.com explaining the project with maps, diagrams and photos. This website also provides an opportunity for Chamber members to click on the link "Show Your Support" and to submit a personalized message. We are urging all Chamber members to please take a moment to show their support at www.protectourecosystem.com. This information is important for verifying community support. The chamber staff contact is Natalie Prim and can be reached at 850.438.4081.

Chamber Membership Survey Results are In

As promised, the results of the Chamber's membership survey are available. Please click here to view the executive summary. Anyone interested in giving more feedback or participating in a focus group to improve Chamber services should call Hope Allen at 850.438.4081.

E-Plaque for Members

Display your Chamber membership with pride! Visit us online at www.PensacolaChamber.com/TheChamber/Eplaque.html and download our 2008 Chamber Membership E-plaque for your business homepage. The E-plaque looks just like our membership decal and is hyperlinked to the Chamber website.

Save the Date for Workforce Conference 2008

The Chamber announces that the Workforce Conference 2008 "Possibilities through Partnerships" is scheduled for Friday, August 15, 2008 and will be held at the University of West Florida Conference Center beginning at 8:30 a.m. Hosted by the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and Workforce Escarosa, Inc., this one-day conference will explore new opportunities in workforce and talent recruitment, including "Small Business Talent Initiatives" and "Untapped Labor Sources".

The opening Session Keynote Speaker will be Susan Pareigis, Director, Florida Council of 100 and former Director, Agency for Workforce Development. Ms. Pareigis will provide an overview of issues affecting our economy and steps that need to be taken to meet future workforce needs. The luncheon speaker will be John Kemp, President of the US Council on Disabilities, a humorist, and celebrated coauthor of the book "Reflections from a Different Journey."

This event will offer the opportunity to network with business, government, workforce development and education.

Early bird registration is $50 until July 15, 2008. Please find the registration form at www.workforce2008possibilitiesthroughpartnerships.com/registration.html

The Chamber staff contact is Natalie Prim and can be reached at 850.438.4081.

Pensacola Kicks Off 450th Anniversary Celebration

Pensacola is throwing one of the longest parties in history to celebrate having the longest history in North America. To commemorate its 450th anniversary, Pensacola will celebrate for 450 days from May 23, 2008 to August 15, 2009. Pensacola was founded in 1559, six years before St. Augustine. Celebrate Pensacola, Inc., a non-profit organization managing the celebration, is planning numerous special events and programs such as parades, art exhibits, heritage walks, historical reenactments, educational programs, a Spanish wine festival and possibly a visit from Spanish royalty. The 450th celebration will culminate on August 15, 2009 with a national birthday celebration.

The public is invited to a kick-off celebration on May 23, 2008, at 5 p.m. The street party will be held on Palafox Place surrounding the fountain at the Escambia County Courthouse. The all-American event will feature free hot dogs, Coca-Cola and music by the Pensacola Civic Band, and Celebrate Pensacola will unveil its plans for the 450-day celebration. In addition, the signature 450th poster will be unveiled, and Jay Clune and Margo Stringfield will discuss their new book Historic Pensacola. Attending dignitaries representing Spain include Santiago Cabanas, consul general of Spain in the United States, and Maria Davis, honorary vice consul of Spain.

"We are proud to be North America's First Major European Settlement, and we look forward to sharing our special heritage with residents and visitors," said Dr. Coy Irvin, chairman of Celebrate Pensacola, Inc. "It's hard to find another place that tops Pensacola — we have beautiful beaches, strong community involvement and the longest history of any city in the United States. We can’t wait to share our story with the rest of the world."

Spanish sailor Don Tristan de Luna arrived in Pensacola on August 15, 1559. Shortly after establishing the settlement, a hurricane destroyed supplies, eventually causing the Spanish to flee the area and not return until the 1600s. In 1698, Fort San Carlos de Austria became the first permanent settlement in Northwest Florida. Remains of the fort can be found at Pensacola Naval Air Station. Pensacola is proud of its rich heritage, historically significant events and landmarks.

Pensacola Quick Facts:

• Having been ruled by Spain, France, Britain, the Confederacy and the United States, Pensacola has earned the nickname City of Five Flags.
Old Christ Church in Historic Pensacola Village is the oldest church in Florida still on its original site.
• Emmanuel Point II is the second-oldest ship wreck in the country. Discovered in 2007 by University of West Florida archaeology students, the ship belonged to Spanish sailor Don Tristan de Luna expedition, dating back to 1559.
• St. Michaels Cemetery is one of the oldest extant cemeteries in the state of Florida, with burials dated back to the late 1700s.
• Pensacola was the original capital of Florida, and it was here that Gov. Andrew Jackson changed flags with Spanish Governor Jose Callava, bringing West Florida under the control of the United States.
• The first Catholic Mass in the United States was held on Pensacola Beach shortly after the sailors arrived in August 1559.

Find more facts and information about the 450th at CelebratePenacola.com. For more information about the Pensacola Bay Area or to request a visitor guide, call the Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800.874.1234 or 850.434.1234 or go online to www.VisitPensacola.com.

Chamber Events

Deluxe Tour of China Pre-Tour Meeting

Our next meeting to discuss the fall trip to China will be Monday, April 28, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. at the Pensacola Chamber. This will give interested individuals (members and non-members) the opportunity to hear details of the trip and to ask questions.  The University of West Florida is also showing an excellent power point presentation showing the tourist spots we will be visiting (Tian an Men Square) and The Great Wall. Please join us and tell your friends and family. Everyone is welcome. The Chamber contact is Natalie Prim. Please call her directly at 850.438.4088 or visit the Chamber's website for the Tour of China.

ACAE Golf Tournament ~ May 4&5

Join the Alabama Council of Association Executives for their annual Golf Tournament. The event is on May 4th and 5th in Montgomery. The event features a Meeting Planner Express for those who do not play golf and would enjoy a grand tour of the golf course. Participants will take the tour on their own golf cart! The Pensacola Convention and Visitor's Bureau will be there again this year and is sponsoring the 8th hole. The cost is $250. Click here for the registration form.

Gopher Breakfast Club ~ May 13

Join us on May 13th at the Pensacola Civic Center for Gopher Breakfast. The event begins with breakfast at 7:00 a.m. and the program is from 7:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. This month's guest will be CAPT John Pruitt, USN (Ret). He will give an overview of the importance of Military Appreciation Month along with a summary of the events and activities planned for the month-long celebration. Members of each branch of service will attend and be recognized. The May Gopher Club is sponsored by Pen Air Federal Credit Union.

Tickets are $12 for Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce members and $22 for non-members. For more information please call 850.438.4081. RSVP's are due by Friday May 9. [RSVP]

High Growth Business Club to Feature NW FL Venture Forum ~ May 13

Please join the High Growth Business Club and the NW Florida Venture Forum (aka: the Pensacola Venture Forum) for business plan presentations. Once again, attendees will have the opportunity to give constructive feedback to the selected presenters. This event is sponsored by Regions.

VENTURE FORUM
High Growth Business Club
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
New World Landing

The NW Florida Venture Forum provides area entrepreneurs with the opportunity to demonstrate their growth potential to an audience interested in investment opportunities. Admission is open to the public with advanced registration. Potential investors are encouraged to contact Mary Jane Steverson for a spot on the guest list. To get more information on the event, contact Dr. Richard Hawkins or at 850.474.2656. Also go to www.uwf.edu/rhawkins/pvf/vf-app.doc.

To register, email Mary Jane Steverson at the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce or call her at 850.438.4081 ext.223.

Business After Hours ~ May 16

Business After Hours is on FRIDAY, May 16 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Officers Club aboard NAS Pensacola. Please join us to network and celebrate Military Appreciation Month. The event is free with one business card. No RSVP is required.

Hospitality Roundtable Luncheon ~ May 20

The next Hospitality Roundtable Luncheonis on Tuesday, May 20 from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tiger Point Country Club is hosting our event this month at 1255 Country Club Road, in Gulf Breeze. Our featured guest speaker is Will Seccombi of Visit Florida.

The cost of the luncheon is $12 for HRT members and $20 for non-members. Payment should be made at the door with checks payable to Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. Invoicing is not permitted.

Since we must guarantee reservations, you will receive a bill for the cost of your lunch if you RSVP and do not attend.  RSVP's are due by 3 p.m. on Friday, May 16 to Barbara Williams. [RSVP] or call 850.434.1234.

Military Appreciation Golf Tournament Red White and Blue Scramble ~ May 22

The 2008 Military Appreciation Month Golf Tournament is set for Thursday, May 22 at the A.C. Read Golf Club aboard NAS Pensacola. Check in and lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. and at 1:00 p.m. there will be a shotgun start. The tournament is presented jointly by Gulf Power, the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and MWR.

The tournament is open to the first 32 teams and each team will include 2 active duty military and 2 civilians. Two-person teams are $80 and fees include lunch, beverages and tee gifts. There will be closest to the pin and hole-in-one prizes.

The entry deadline is May 16th. Click here for the registration form.

Member News

Chamber Reveals Small Business of the Year

Congratulations to Coastal Moving and Storage for their distinction as the Chamber's Small Business of the Year.  The Chamber has been featuring Coastal Moving and Storage all thru the month of April as the Small Business of the Month, but now we take things to a higher level as they become our prestigious Small Business of the Year. The Small Business of the Year Award was presented on Tuesday, April 22, at our annual Small Business Luncheon.  The story was covered on multiple WEAR Channel 3 News shows and in the Pensacola News Journal.  Small business is the heart of our local economy and the Chamber commends Jay Bradshaw and his company for their outstanding business practices and service to the community.

Workforce Escarosa Announces Milton Job Fair

On May 29, Workforce Escarosa will present their job fair in Milton at the Santa Rosa Auditorium located at 4530 Jimmy Way. The Workforce Escarosa job fair typically attracts between 700 and 1,000 job seekers. This is a great opportunity for employers to meet qualified job seekers in the area. Employer registration is $100 and provides a 3x8 table, breakfast, lunch and beverages throughout the day. The event is promoted in the area news papers and via email notices to our job-seeker database. Space is limited so reserve your booth now. Please fill out the registration form provided for you here and mail it along with the $100 registration fee to the address listed. All questions may be directed to joborders@escarosa.com or 850.595.5200 ext. 104.

Pensacola Professional Development Council
Leadership Conference

The Pensacola Young Professionals and Studer Group have partnered to facilitate a year-long leadership training for management level staff in our area. This is a prime opportunity for supervisors, managers and business owners to learn invaluable skills to enhance leadership style. With the first session to occur on May 2, the program will consist of four one-day sessions facilitated by Quint Studer over the course of one year.

This training is designed to take a company to the next level by developing leadership and management skills. It will yield results not only for the individual taking the course, but endeavors also to aid in overall company improvement. The program costs $500 for the year. Reservations are limited. Please visit http://ppdi.pensacolayp.com/index.html to register.