President: Marion Riley Taylor, Maximum Management & Leasing
Treasurer: Tim Stapleton, Sales Consultants of the Emerald Coast
President Elect: Dr. David Goetsch, Okaloosa-Walton College
Past President: Martha Miller, Vanguard Bank
 

Community Development Division

Vice President: Hank Yancey, DynCorp International

Mission: To position the Chamber of Commerce as a forum used by the public, the military, businesses and the cities for joint projects and interests involving our area.

Government Affairs Committee
Chair: Dr. David Goetsch, Okaloosa-Walton College

Mission: To educate our membership and community of the issues in local, state and federal government.

Objectives: Monitor city, county and state governments.

Military Affairs Committee
Chair: Jim Ruckel, Ruckel Properties, Inc.

Mission: To support the military mission and to enhance the relationship between the community and the military.

Objectives: Provide activities to visibly promote the Niceville-Valparaiso-Bay Area as a strong supporter of the military. Explore initiatives to protect the viability of our military and civilian partnership.

Programs: Eglin Air Show Participants Party, Spring and Fall Socials, Awards for Senior NCO, NCO; and Airman of the Quarter at Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field and Duke Field.

Education Committee (Chamber Foundation)
Chair: Brian Walsh, Key Lime Homes

Mission: To initiate and provide a partnership between the educational and
business communities to enhance the quality of education.

Objectives: Promote interaction between the business and education communities. Promote continuing and higher education opportunities for the citizens of the Bay Area.

Programs: Teacher of the Year Recognition, Student of the Month Recognition, Parent Volunteer Recognition

Public Relations Division

Vice President: Debbie Lewis, ERA American Realty

Mission: To facilitate business involvement in the community through a variety of events and activities.

Fourth of July Fireworks (Chamber Foundation)
Chairman: Neal McJenkin, Peoples National Bank

Objective: To organize the annual fireworks display held on July 4th.

Host Committee
Chairman: Martha Miller, Vanguard Bank

Mission: To honor individuals and groups which make significant contributions to enhance the quality of life in the Bay Area.

Health Committee
Chairman: Michelle Sears, Westwood Retirement Resort

Mission: Promote wellness programs to local business and the community by providing health education opportunities.

Program: Community Health Fair

Membership Development Division

Vice President: Jeff Campbell, State Farm Agency

Mission: To create real and perceived value of Chamber membership to all
businesses in the Bay Area and to perpetuate the long-term success of the Chamber and its member businesses.

Ambassadors Committee
Chair: Tammy Wright, Wright Harmony

Mission: Maintain high visibility and serve as official greeters at Chamber events.

Programs: Ribbon Cuttings, Sponsor Holiday Lights Business After Hours, and assist with Business After Hours and Second Wednesday Coffee.

Business Development Committee
Chair: Joel Spaulding, Baywalk Real Estate

Mission: To create, provide and promote benefi ts and services for chamber members to advance the prosperity of the Bay Area business community.

Objective: Identify needs and concerns of local businesses and provide resources to them.

Programs: Monthly Television Program, Educational Seminars, Networking at Noon and Chamber website.

Membership Committee
Chair: Kathleen Gilson, The Advertiser

Mission: To encourage participation and involvement creating added value to membership and increased retention rates.

Programs: Retention and New Member Luncheon Programs.

Special Events Division

Vice President: Greg Smith, Gulf Power Company

Mission: To host special events and fundraisers to further enhance involvement in the community.

Boggy Bayou Golf Classic Annual Golf Tournament
Chair: Cara Pecore, Individual Member

Held in the spring each year offering the opportunity to highlight your business and network with other members of the community.

Buy the Bayou Auction
Chair: Beverly Rasmussen, ERA American Realty

7th Annual Auction

Fort Walton Beach Medical Center/ Twin Cities Hospital
Mid-Bay Bridge Run/Walk
Chair: Steve Schutt, Superior Home Loans

Bluewater Bay to Destin. This event provides the opportunity to further enhance the relationship of the Chamber with the Community. Proceeds benefit  the Chamber and local school cross country teams.

Rubber Duck Race
Chair: Janel Humphrey, BankTrust

4th Annual Duck Race at Turkey Creek in Niceville benefiting local area
schools and the Chamber.