November 2011
Volume 16, Issue 8
PONTE
Ponte
This Month’s Events VEDRA
Vedra
Wednesday, November 9 ~
Chamber After Hours, 5:30 PM,
Pusser’s Bar & Grille, 816 A1A
North ~ Beer, Wine & Hors
BEACH
d’oeuvres ~ $15 for Members
with a Reservation, $20 for CHAMBER
members without a Reserva-
tion & Guests.
Wednesday, November 16 ~
Chamber
CHAT
Chat
Small Business of the Year
Award Ceremony & Luncheon,
11:30 AM, Sawgrass Country
Club ~ Sponsored by MDI
Holdings, Inc. & Speaker, their
President & CEO, Richard
Willich ~ $25 for Members
Nine Nominated for Small Business of the Year
with a Reservation, $30 for
Members without a Our Small Business of the Year established business. Give a growth.
Reservation & Guests. Awards Ceremony & Luncheon brief history of your company, Innovativeness and Response to
Grand Opening, 5:30 PM, will be held Wednesday, the mission of your business and Adversity and Competition 10
Home Video Studio, 4031 November 16, in the Sawgrass your business philosophy. points ~ Show how your
Demery Drive (see website for Room at Sawgrass Country Attach appropriate company business has been innovative in
directions) ~ Free for Members Club. The following have been literature in the addendum. its business approach. Describe
& Guests.
nominated for this award: Management 10 points ~ problems and how you
Thursday, November 24 ~ Aqua Grill Discuss techniques you have overcame them. How have you
Chamber Closed ~ Happy FranNet used in managing your responded to your competition?
Thanksgiving.
Garcia Institute & Reviva Med business. What are your long- Leadership and Community
Wednesday, November 30 ~ Spa term goals for the next three Contribution 10 points ~
Chamber After Hours, 5:30 PM, The Griggs Group years? How do you conduct Outline your contribution to the
Napoli’s Pastaria, 3787 Palm
Valley Road (Mickler round- King & Associates Insurance your business planning? community through assistance
about) ~ Food & Drink ~ $5 Media Mix Marketing Solutions Growth 10 points ~ to other business, volunteer
Guests.
for Members & $10 for Guests Ponte Vedra Wellness Center Demonstrate the growth of activities, government lobbying,
Ten Salon your company Categories could etc. List your involvement in
CHECK US OUT ON: Tropical Smoothie include the number of professional and trade
http://www.facebook.com/ Once nominated, all were asked employees, increased sales or organizations including the
pontevedrachamber to submit an application using unit volume or additional Ponte Vedra Beach Chamber of
the outline below: locations. Please state the Commerce.
History & Philosophy 10 points ~ reasons for this growth and The application counts for 50%
http://twitter.com/pvbchamber Demonstrate that you are an demonstrate your role in the Continued on Page 2
BB&T to be 2012 Golf Tournament Presenting Sponsor
Inside this edition:
We are delighted to announce banking that stretches back to
Ambassadors 8, 13
that BB&T will be our Presenting 1872, BB&T continues to offer
Chamber Clips 14 Sponsor for our 2012 Ponte clients a complete range of
Chamber Contacts 2 Vedra Chamber Golf financial services including
Events 7,8 Tournament to be held banking, lending, insurance,
Event Photos 11,12 President’s Day, February 20, at trust and wealth management
Holiday Events 4 the Palencia Club. BB&T solutions. Brian Crooke, who is
recently opened at a brand new the manager of their Ponte
Giant 50/50 3
location in Ponte Vedra Beach Vedra Branch, invites you to
Golf Tournament 5,6 at 625 A1A North. They return learn more about the bank,
New Board Member 9 as Presenting Sponsor to this their company and their
New Members 9 event after an absence. philosophy. Brian and BB&T are
Building on a tradition of very excited about the
New Member Application 10 Brian Crooke, Branch Manager,
excellence in community Continued on Page 2
President’s Message 2 of BB&T, Ponte Vedra.
SBDC Tip 13
Chamber Chat Volume 16, Issue 8
Page 2
President’s Message
50 A1A North, Suite 102
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Dear All, 904-285-2004
chance to win up to $10,000 opportunity to support the info@pontevedrachamber.org
As we enter the holiday season, or one of four other prizes YMCA,
Angel Tree at the YMCA a Board of Directors:
valued at $250 each. program that provides gifts to Christine Adams ~ Rogers Tower,
the season of giving, we ask that
P.A. ~ 473-1400
you support the Chamber’s November is a very busy those that otherwise would
Darby Brower ~ Brower Financial
fundraising efforts over the next month for the Chamber and not be receiving anything this Group ~ 280-1669
few months. Although you we begin November 9 with this holiday season. Felicia Cox ~ Florida Bank ~ 543-
7055
may not know it, nearly 60% our Chamber After Hours at If you are really into the
Vincent Grassia ~ 910=1367
of the Chamber budget is Pusser’s. Sample some shopping mode, visit our Dr. Erika Hamer ~ Ponte Vedra
funded by non-dues revenue delicious hors d’oeuvres plus ; Holiday Gift Boutique on Wellness Center ~ 273-2691
beer and wine for only $15 December 7 from 4 until 8 Craig Hamilton ~ Pineapple Post ~
helping us to keep our dues 249-7477
low while still maintaining the for members with a pm to purchase that special Frances King ~ King & Associates
quality of the programs and reservation. We have another gift for someone on your list Insurance Agency ~ 273-9839
Chamber After Hours at from your fellow chamber Dan Monk ~ Pusser’s Bar & Grille ~
services of the Chamber. Most 280-7766
of this revenue comes from Napoli’s Pastaria , a new members while enjoying a Marshall Reddy ~ FranNet Principal
our annual events including restaurant that just opened glass of wine. An unwrapped Florida ~ 280-1949
near the round about at toy or a donation for TOYS for Jared Rice ~ THE PLAYERS
the Ponte Vedra Car Show, Championship ~ 273-3453
the Sawgrass Wine Festival Mickler, on November 30. TOTS admits you free. Michele Smith ~ RE/MAX Coastal
and our Chamber Golf They will introduce you to As always our annual holiday Real Estate ~ 285-5640
their signature dishes and events are great fun. If the Staff:
Tournament. This past year, Ginger Lilley Peace ~ Chamber &
revenues from all those events ample wine list and all for $5 morning is better for you, Visitor Center Executive Director
was down significantly and for members. We will be attend our Holiday Chamber Julie Davidson ~ Sales & Service
collecting items for BEAM’s Before Hours on December 7 Manager
so we are trying to subsidize Penny Dickhens ~ Chamber
those dollars with ones from Thanksgiving and Christmas at 7:30 am. It is only $7.50 for Tourism Coordinator
smaller events and fundraisers drive—-you will find a
Basket drive members and includes Dan Worrell ~ Accountant
list of what they need on page breakfast. If the night time is Bryan Goode III ~ Counsel of
to be held over the next sev- Record
eral months. 7—at every event in “your” time, attend our
Obviously our Giant 50/50 November. Holiday Party on December There are many, many ways in
Raffle has the potential to raise Shopping at our Ambassador 14 from 5 to 8 pm. There will which you can not only help
Online Auction, November be food, drink and music for the Chamber, but also our
$10,000 for the Chamber, but
18—
18—December 2, gives you only $15 for members. In charity partners, I hope to see
your purchase of one of 200
not only a chance to addition, we will draw our you at all the events and wish
tickets between now and
you luck on the 50/50 raffle——
December 14 is not just a purchase some wonderful Giant 50/50 winner which
someone has to win it and it
donation, you do have the holiday gifts for friends and should be very exciting. We
might as well be you!
family, but also the will draw down to ten, then to
Felicia
SBoY continued November 16 awards ceremony and luncheon to Golf continued
of their evaluation with the other 50% coming from be held at the Sawgrass Country Club. opportunity to not only help the
their interview. All candidates will be interviewed The Luncheon will begins at 11:30 am with Chamber, but also to help this
by the evaluation committee: Chamber President networking followed by lunch at noon. This event year’s charity partner, Wounded
Felicia Cox, Chamber Executive Director Ginger is sponsored by MDI Holding, Inc. and their
Warrior Project. If you are
Lilley Peace, Chamber Sales & Service Manager Julie President and CEO, Richard Willich, will be our
Davidson, Board Member Vincent Grassia, formerly speaker. Afterwards, we will introduce our
interested in a sponsorship,
Publisher of the Ponte Vedra Recorder and Board nominated businesses and announce our 2012 playing in the tournament or
Member Jared Rice of THE PLAYERS. They will Small Business of the Year. donating items for our goody
make their selection and it will be announced at the More on Page 7. bag, raffle or auction, please see
Page 5.
Chamber Chat Volume 16, Issue 8
Page 4
Chamber Holiday Events
Sponsored by
Ambassador Online Auction ~
November 18 — December 2
A portion of the proceeds benefits YMCA Angel Tree, the Y’s efforts to
provide gifts for children of deserving families in our community who
can not afford to put presents under the tree. Last year, thanks to 810
angels, more than $42,000 worth of gifts were donated to children
Coast.
on the First Coast
Hotel Weekends, Restaurant Gift Certificates, Golf Foursomes,
Gifts!
Event Tickets, Spa Packages ~ All Ready to Purchase for Holiday Gifts
www.biddingforgood.com/pontevedrachamber
Chamber Before Hours Chamber Holiday Boutique Chamber Holiday Party
Wednesday, December 7, 7:30 AM Wednesday, December 7, Wednesday, December 14,
Elizabeth’s Café, Sawgrass Village 4 to 8 pm 5 to 8 pm
$7.50 for Members & Fine that perfect Holiday Gift from Ponte Vedra Chamber Office
your fellow Chamber members! Beer, Wine & Hors d’oeuvres
$10 for Guests
Participating: Holiday Music
Includes Breakfast!
Original Piece
Please Bring an Unwrapped Paradise Palms Massage GIANT 50/50 DRAWING
Toys for Tots Scentsy Wickless Candles Make sure you bring your
Silpada Designs
Stella & Dot Jewelry ticket stub!
$10 for Members with a Reservation
Still Accepting Participants and $15 for Members without a
Reservation & for Guests
Wine Tasting
Please Bring an Unwrapped
Free Admittance with an Toys for Tots
Unwrapped Toy or Donation
for Toys for Tots
Ponte Vedra Chamber Corporate Gift Baskets
Order & Next Day Delivery to your Office
$49 each and contains:
Dual Neoprene Wine Holder, Two Woozies & Two Wine Glasses,
Corkscrew with Rosewood Wine Cork &
Bottle of the Gold Best Buys as judged at the Sawgrass Wine Festival ~
Choose from Clou du Bois North Coast Chardonnay or
Sterling Vintner’s Reserve Merlot
Chamber Chat Volume 16, Issue 8
Page 5
2012 Ponte Vedra Chamber Golf Tournament
2012 Ponte Vedra Beach Cham-
ber Golf Tournament
A Salute to the Military
President’s Day ~ February 20
at the Palencia Club
Presented by
A Portion of the Proceeds Benefits Wounded Warrior Project
$2,250 Gold Sponsor Benefits: $1,500 Silver Sponsor Benefits: $750 Bronze Sponsor Benefits:
in-
Mention on paid and in-kind in-
Mention on paid and in-kind in-
Mention on paid and in-kind
Advertising, Fact Sheet, Flyers & Advertising, Fact Sheet, Flyers & Advertising, Fact Sheet, Flyers, Forms
Forms Forms & Event Banner
Your Logo on Event Banner Your Logo on Event Banner Can provide Logo Items for the Player’s
Can provide Logo Items for the Player’s Can provide Logo Items for the Player’s Goody Bag
Goody Bag Goody Bag Logo in Chamber Chat newsletter
Logo in Chamber Chat newsletter Logo in Chamber Chat newsletter (circulation 350 plus electronic mail-
(circulation 350 plus electronic (circulation 350 plus electronic ing) now through March
mailing) now through March mailing) now through March Mention in Constant Contact weekly
Mention in Constant Contact weekly Mention in Constant Contact weekly event announcement (now until
event announcement (now until event announcement (now until event)
event) event) Your Logo on Golf Tournament Web
Your Logo on Golf Tournament Web Your Logo on Golf Tournament Web Page with link to your site now
Page with link to your site now Page with link to your site now through March 2012 when new
through March 2012 when new through March 2012 when new event dates are posted
event dates are posted event dates are posted Logo on Program Inside Front Cover
Mention in Constant Contact weekly Logo on Program Inside Front Cover & Mention on the St. Augustine, Ponte
event announcement (now until One Fourth Page Ad within Vedra & the Beaches Event Calendar
event) Mention on the St. Augustine, Ponte and on
Logo on Program Inside Front Cover & Vedra & the Beaches Event Calendar www.floridashistoriccoast.com &
One-
One-Half Page Ad Inside and on www.visitpontevedra.com
Mention on the St. Augustine, Ponte www.floridashistoriccoast.com & Recognition at all Chamber events
Vedra & the Beaches Event Calendar www.visitpontevedra.com now through March
and on Recognition at all Chamber events Mention in Press Releases
www.floridashistoriccoaset.com & now through March Mention in Event Promotion through
www.visitpontevedra.com Mention in Press Releases other Chamber member clubs
Recognition at all Chamber events Mention in Event Promotion through Photo of Sponsor Representative in
now through March other Chamber member clubs March Chamber Chat
Mention in Press Releases Your Banner displayed at the event Golf For One
Mention in Event Promotion through Photo of Sponsor Representative in
other Chamber member clubs March Chamber Chat
Your Banner displayed at the event Golf Twosome
Photo of Sponsor Representative in
March Chamber Chat
Golf Threesome
Chamber Chat Volume 16, Issue 8
Page 6
2012 Ponte Vedra Chamber Golf Tournament
2012 Ponte Vedra Beach Cham-
ber Golf Tournament
A Salute to the Military
President’s Day ~ February 20
at the Palencia Club
Presented by
A Portion of the Proceeds Benefits Wounded Warrior Project
$250 Hospitality Tent Lunch In Kind (144 Box $400 Dinner Sponsor $175 Hole Sponsor if New ~
Sponsor Benefits: Lunches) Sponsor Benefits: Benefits: $125 if Returning & Signed
Sponsor Sign at Tent Mention on Flyers & Forms Mention on Flyers & Forms Up by January 15 Benefits:
Mention on Flyers & Forms Four Tickets to the Dinner Four Tickets to the Dinner Sponsor Sign at Hole
Mention in Chamber Chat Mention in Chamber Chat Mention in Chamber Chat Mention in March Chamber
now through March now through March now through March Chat
Mention on Press Releases Mention in Press Releases Mention in Press Releases
Refreshment Cost Not Golf for one Golf for one
Included
To Play: Foursome $525, Individual $145, Extra Dinner $40
Schedule: Includes:
10:30 am - 11:45 am – Check-In & Putting Contest
Check- *Golf Clinic
11:00 am - Golf Clinic *18 Holes of Golf at Palencia ~Schamble Format
11:45 am - Captain’s Meeting *Golf Shirt & Bag of Promotional Gifts
12 noon - Shotgun Start Hole-in-
*Six Party Holes, Four Hole-in-One Contests with Brumos Cars &
Rolex from Underwoods plus Eight Other Contest Holes
5:00 pm - Cocktail Hour
*Box Lunch, Cocktail Hour & Dinner with Free Beer & Wine
6:00 pm - Dinner & Awards Ceremony
*Awards Ceremony with 1st – 3trd Place Gross & Net Winners of
Waterford Crystal
*Raffle Prizes plus Silent & Live Auction
Yes, We want to provide support for the Company Name ____________________________________________________
2012 Ponte Vedra Beach Chamber of
Commerce Golf Tournament: and Address ___________________________________________________________
Wounded Warrior Project
Representative ______________________________________________________
□ Live or Silent Auction Item
□ Raffle Prize Signature __________________________________________________________
□ Goody Bag Item ~ approximately 144
Phone _____________________ Email __________________________________
of each item needed
Description _____________________________________Value_______________
Chamber Chat Volume 16, Issue 8 Page 7
Bring a Food Item Below for BEAM Thanksgiving & Christmas Baskets
SUGGESTED CONTENTS FOR BASKETS
∗ package of rice or mashed potatoes
∗ bag of stuffing
∗ 2 packages of macaroni and cheese
∗ cranberry sauce
∗ 2 cans of green beans
∗ jar of turkey gravy
∗ 2 cans of another vegetable
∗ packaged cookies or cake
∗ $10-$15 grocery store gift card to
purchase a turkey, ham, or other main course
Chamber After Hours ~ Pusser’s Bar & Grille
Wednesday, November 9, 5:30 PM Rooted in the British Virgin Islands, this restaurant
Pusser’s ~ 816 Highway A1A North offers ‘a true taste of the Caribbean’, where award
winning Chef Chris DeLay presents unique dishes
$15 for Members with a reservation &
from the tropics and regional favorites alike. The
$20 for Members without a reservation & for Guests
name is derived from Pusser’s Rum®, recently
Wine, Beer & Hors d’oeuvres
Sponsored by acclaimed by Forbes Magazine to be one of the 10
best rums in the world–and the Rum of the British
Royal Navy for the past 300 years. Come in and try
their famous painkiller.
Chamber After Hours ~ Napoli’s Pastaria
Wednesday, November 30, 5:30 PM Napoli’s believes that the fondest memories are
Napoli’s ~ 3787 Palm Valley Road made while gathered around the table. The
restaurant strives to achieve and maintain distinction
$5 for Members & $10 for Guests
in food, wine, service and atmosphere. Napoli’s goal
Food & Drink
is to build a first class reputation for gracious
hospitality, comfort and beauty that draws new and
Sponsored by
repeat customers year after year.
Chamber Chat Volume 16, Issue 8 Page 8
Small Business of the Year Awards ~ MDI Holdings, Inc.
Wednesday, November 16, 11:30 AM Nominees:
.Nominees:
Aqua Grill
Sawgrass Country Club Brylen Custom Homes
$25 for Members with reservation & FranNet
Garcia Institute & Reviva Med Spa
$30 for Members without & for Guests
The Griggs Group,
Sponsored by King & Associates Insurance
Media Mix Marketing Solutions
Ten Salon
Tropical Smoothie
Richard Willich to Speak at SBoY Awards Ceremony
Our event is sponsored by Willich.
CEO, Richard Willich He was Marine Corps Reserves, retiring
MDI Holdings, Inc. which was born in the steel mill section of in 1990 and, in 2005, became
founded in 1992 with the South Chicago. An superior Chairman of the Board for the
belief that cutting-edge athlete (football and baseball) Marine Corps Reserve
information technology could in both high school and col- Association. He earned a
reduce unnecessary health lege, Richard began working Master’s Degree in Finance at
insurance costs. And if their summers at Republic Steel Mill Pepperdine University,
success over the last 18 years is at age 16. He then joined the attended law school at
any indication, that belief still U.S. Marine Corps OCS Western State University and,
holds true. In the nearly two program at 18. in 1982, founded Dow
decades since their founding, After graduation from college Industries, ranked the 11th
MDI has helped public and in Wisconsin in 1964, Richard Fastest Growing Company by
government agencies save was commissioned a 2nd Inc. Magazine in 1985. His 20
more than $100 million in Lieutenant. In 1965, he served year old company, MDI Richard Willich, President &
taxpayer money through as a Platoon Leader in Holdings, Inc., has been CEO, MDI Holdings, Inc.
network contracting and Vietnam, earning a Purple termed a Rising Star for and Richard has generously
claims processing. Heart and several Medals of Northeast Florida by the supported major gifts for the
Our featured speaker for the Valor. Richard achieved the Jacksonville Business Journal, health and welfare of children
event is their President and rank of Lt. Colonel in the U.S. and historic preservation.
Grand Opening ~ Home Video Studio
Wednesday, November 16, 5:30 PM Home Video Studio ™ offers professional video production and
post-production services for consumers, organizations and
Home Video Studio ~ 4031 Demery Drive corporate clients. They utilize the latest in computer and video
See Website for Directions technology to provide our clients with cutting edge products
and old-fashioned service - "Video Services for Everyone" ®.
Free for Members & Guests
Home Video Studio ™ specializes in video editing, video to
Food & Drink DVD transfer, DVD and CD duplication, photo/video
montages, Super 8mm, 8mm and 16mm home movie
Sponsored by transfers, 35mm slide transfers, video tape repair and much
more. Home Video Studio guarantees 100% customer
satisfaction with free pick-up and delivery service.
Thanks to Our October Ambassadors
Ed Mercel Debbie Michala Kristin Pirris
Chamber Chat Volume 16, Issue 8
Page 9
New Members
Cindy Rene Bishop GDH Architects, P.A. www.cpasite.com
73 DeWees Avenue Glenn Hettinger, Architect Lawrence Tallis, Photographer Scentsy
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 38 Valencia Street Dawn Lytle – Independent
3233 Fiddlers Hammock Lane
904-246-0075
904-246- Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 Consultant
crbishop2@gmail.com 904-881-
904-881-8100 904-373-
904-373-0173 433 Big Tree Road
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
glennhettinger@gmail.com larry@tallisphoto.com
First Coast Home Benefits 904-571-
904-571-8843
www.tallisphoto.com
Sandy Fitzburgh Jacksonville Boat Club Lytle_dawn@yahoo.com
129 Sea Island Drive Josh Blackwell Patrick & Robinson, CPA’s www.dawnlytle.scentsy.us
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 14603 Beach Blvd. Adam M. Robinson, Partner
904-229-0175
904-229- Jacksonville, FL 32250 6000-
6000-A Sawgrass Village
904-229-0197
904-229- 904-223-5001
904-223- Circle, Suite 1
sandy@firstcoastbenefits.com josh@jaxboatclub.com Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
www.firstcoastbenefits.com www.jaxboatclub.com
904-396-
904-396-5400
904-396-
904-396-9226
adam@cpasite.com
New Board Member
We are happy to announce that Michele Smith has joined the Ponte Vedra Chamber Board of
Directors. She began her career in real estate in 1986 and in her first full year in the business,
she was named Rookie of the Year for her company, Walter Williams Realty. In 1988, Arvida
Realty Sales recruited Michele to sell real estate for them. During her five years with Arvida, She
gained a great deal of experience in new home construction and land development. In 1993,
Michele and her partner, Eileen McVeigh, opened their own RE/MAX office, both becoming
brokers/owners. Recently they moved to a new location is at 250 AIA N. Suite 500, Ponte
Vedra Beach, FL with 14 full time agents. Continuing Education and obtaining professional
designations has always been very important to Michele. She is a Certified Residential Specialist
(CRS) and has the e-pro designation to help with Employee relocation. In this tough economy,
she has also become a Certified Distressed Property Expert to help people who are in need of
selling their homes and working with their mortgage companies. Michelle is married and has
two daughters who live in the beaches area and in her leisure time, she enjoys cheering for her
Florida State Seminoles.
New Combo Advertising /Event Packages for 2012
Advertising Packages Event Packages:
1/3 Page Chat Ad for One Month ~ $175 Chamber Before Hours ~ $175 per month
Constant Contact Ad for One Month ~ $75 Chamber At Noon ~ $275 per month
Banner on the Relo, Visitor Page or Member Pages for Chamber After Hours ~ $275 per month
Full Year ~ $500
Total Cost if Purchased Individually ~ $725
Total Cost if Purchased Individually ~ $750
Purchase the Package for $250, a $225 Savings
Purchase the package for $500, a $250 Savings!
Chamber Chat Volume 16, Issue 8
Page 10
New Membership Application ~ Join Now, No Renewal until 2013
Please Forward to a Business Associate
Chamber Chat Volume 16, Issue 8 Page 11
Chamber After Hours ~ Ashford Court
Sandra Ingram of Florida Bank chats with Ginger Lilley Peace, Chamber Executive Director, with Russ Martin keeps watch over the
her neighbor while Tina Byron of Heritage her husband Chris, Brenda Badger and Tracy Deken Sawgrass Wine festival Basket we raffled off
Bank poses for the camera.. of Ashford Court. in October.
Grand Opening ~ BB&T
Jared Rice and Austin Flagg of THE Brian Crooke, eight from the right, along with his Steve Landoll of COLO 5 with Felicia Cox,
PLAYERS along with Brian Crooke of BB&T. BB&T family at his branch grand opening at their new Chamber President.
location.
Chamber Before Hours ~ Marks Gray, P.A.
Ed Birk of Marks Gray, P.A., our sponsor, one-on-
Chamber Before Hours is a good place for one-on-one Felicia Cox of Florida Bank enjoys the am
addresses the morning crowd. networking plus a good breakfast! event.
Chamber Chat Volume 16, Issue 8 Page 12
Chamber After Hours ~ Ponte Vedra Gold & Silver
Clyde Rader and Cindy Bishop got cold hard Thanks to Jessica Gilbert of Ponte Vedra Gold Penny Allen and her granddaughter Lindsey
cash for the items they brought in. & Silver for holding the event which raised Berry handed out the cash at the event.
over $500 for the Chamber
Chamber After Hours ~ Urban Flats
Johnny Zayatz, Brad Brondel & Steve Landoll with Felicia Cox with Urban Flats’ manager, Alyson Wise of THE PLAYERS along with Merry
Jennifer Woida of Opici Wines, our wine supplier Chris Phillips. Ann & Brian Crooke and Adam Merrill of John
for the event. Merrill Homes.
Chamber Chat Volume 16, Issue 8
Page 13
385-
Call Lindsey Godfrey at 385-6522 today to get involved in the Ambassadors:
Ambassador Program just in time for the Ambassador Holiday Party Chairman Lindsey Godfrey ~ Ponte Vedra Beach Realty 285-
285-6522
to be held Thursday, December 8. Bob Baer ~ Robert Baer Co. 386-1484
April Biller ~ Hampton Inn 373-3111
Benefits:
Brian Crooke ~ BB & T 280-9390
Your picture and biography will appear on our website with a link to
Jennifer Foreman ~ SunTrust Bank 332-8838
your business website.
Ed Mercel ~ Queen's Harbour Real Estate Co. 221-2605
Your picture and company profile will be featured in the Chamber Chat
when you become an Ambassador and on a rotating basis thereafter. Debbie Michala ~ Processing Solutions 273-2246
Your name will be printed in the Chamber Chat each month you work a Kristin Pirris ~ Pirris Insurance & Financial Services 997—3051
regular event and when you serve on an event committee. Heather Senterfitt ~ First Coast Focus 610-3074
You will be introduced as a new Ambassador at our functions after you To Become an Ambassador, call Lindsey today!
join the group.
You will be introduced and thanked when you work an event if
appropriate and possible.
You will be supplied an Ambassador name bag which you must wear at
all Chamber events signifying that you are a special Chamber supporter
and as such, will add credibility to you and your business.
You will be invited to several “Ambassador Only” social gatherings
during the year.
Small Business Tip~Cathy Hagan, SBDC at UNF
Small Business Give Back
According to research done by Ernst and even small efforts can make a difference. Get on a nonprofit board and offer your
Young and the Fidelity Charitable Gift Consider: business or industry expertise to a local
Fund, small businesses recognize the Organizing an employee volunteer day. agency or organization. A contribution
importance of giving back to the Even though you may lose a day or two of time is sometimes more important than
community. In fact, these reports show of productivity, rallying your employees money.
that 89% of entrepreneurs donate together to work on a volunteer project Making a difference by supporting non-
money, both personally and through can foster morale and camaraderie which profits through these efforts creates a
their companies. And 62% say giving can lead to a more productivity. Put positive image for your company and
back makes their companies more together a team to work on a Beaches encourages locals to support your
successful in the long run. Given the Habitat House or to clean up a stretch of business as customers. And, perhaps
sluggish economic times, it may be a local roadway. more importantly for you and your
difficult for business owners and their Keep a box at the front desk or near the employees, it just feels good.
employees to come up with meaningful cash register to collect pocket change for
ways to give back when they are both a local charity. Both employees and
short on time and low on funds. But customers can contribute to the cause.
Chamber Chat Volume 16, Issue 8
Page 14
Chamber Clips
Little Stars Preschool of Our Lady Star The Beaches Emergency Assistance
of the Sea Catholic Church provides early Ministry (BEAM) Board of Trustees
learning and developmentally oriented concluded an extensive search and
programs created in a Christ-centered selection process by naming Susan King
environment, which promotes enrichment as its new Executive Director to replace
and growth for our parish children. Staffed
Vivian Southwell, who resigned earlier this
by certified teachers and assistants, the
year. “We are very pleased to
programs promote a warm, comfortable,
announce this appointment,” reported
positive one that enables each child to grow physically,
mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Recently the Paul Lambert, BEAM Board President. “Susan will bring
school was named a finalist for the 2011 Gift of Service leadership and creativity coupled with strong business skills
Award for Outstanding VPK Program by The Child to the organization and a deep sense of commitment to the
Development Educational Alliance. The school was mission of BEAM.” Susan is a CPA with more than 25 years
chosen from 300 area schools and it is a great honor for experience across a broad range of industries, including
the school and its teachers who strive for excellence in public accounting, real estate management and
children’s education. development, and business brokerage. She is leaving an
executive management position at one of the largest
Home Star John Merrill Realty Network Owners Pennie S. regional theme park groups in the U.S. to follow her
Cobb, Broker/Auctioneer and Dana M. Merrill, Realtor, offer
passion and devote her expertise to helping those in
full service real estate services fit to handle the purchase or sale of
any property, including the opportunity to participate in their need. Susan has been a beaches resident for more than 26
Auction of the Week Program. Not all properties are the same and years and has served a number of local non-profits as both
with that in mind, properties should not be marketed the same. board member and volunteer, assisting in strategic
Their menu of services and marketing programs allows buyers and planning, fundraising, and leadership levels and will bring a
sellers to choose what is best for their needs. Thinking Real Estate? breadth of perspective and experience to BEAM.
ThinkMerrill.com
Chamber Chat Volume 16, Issue 8
Page 15
Chamber Clips
The Holidays are upon us. Lori Parham is booking November is Long-term Care Insurance Awareness
for November and December Jewelry Parties. If Month. Pirris Insurance and Financial Services is
anyone wants to book a party contact Lori at: proud to support this industry-wide initiative to educate
Home, 220.4556 & Cell,655.8953. Silpada has a people about the importance of planning for long-term
new promotion going on from 10/17/11 - 12/31/11 care. Take time this month to learn about the planning
"Bling it On" With a qualified party a hostess can options and tax incentives of long term care insurance for
earn 1 of 4 rings as an additional hostess item with business owners.
their other hostess rewards. Plus...BOOK YOUR
The Morgan Company, Promotional Advertising has moved to:
PARTY NOW FOR HOLIDAYS AND MENTION THIS 2520 Isabella Blvd, Suite 50, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250. Their
CLIP AND YOU WILL GET AN ADDITIONAL $25 IN phone is 242-0472 and their fax is 242 -0471.
FREE JEWELRY!!!
World's Best Getaways Without Kids Announced!
PONTE VEDRA BEACH NAMED ONE OF THE
WORLD'S TOP 10 GETAWAYS
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (Oct. 19) - Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, has been selected as one of the world's
top ten getaways without kids. Online travel adviser Cheapflights (www.cheapflights.com) issued their
selections "in the spirit of parental sanity" and offered their list of best destinations for "grabbing a cocktail,
kicking back and relaxing without the little rascals." The list was distributed world wide by Reuters, the giant
international news agency.
Known for its outstanding golf, including the home of THE PLAYERS Championship and the
headquarters of the PGA Tour, Ponte Vedra is also the location of some of the world's most outstanding
resorts. Located between St. Augustine and Jacksonville on Florida's Historic Coast, Ponte Vedra Beach has
been long-known as a place of seaside luxury and pampering. Here's how Cheapflights described it:
"You may think the only thing Ponte Vedra has to offer is a ridiculous golf scene - which it does - but that's
not the sole reason to visit this swanky coastal community. When not teeing off, visitors take full advantage of
exquisite spa treatments offered at several multi-diamond spa resorts, hit around the tennis ball, stop off at
beautifully-manicured beaches, check out quaint and unique shops, and partake in other activities you
indulge in when the kids aren't around. And no Ponte Vedra Beach experience goes without a look into the
Spanish colonial history stretching back as far as 1513."
The other nine destinations on Cheapflight's best child-free getaways were: Dubai, United Arab Emir-
ates; Lunenberg, Nova Scotia; St. Lucia, Antilles; Napa Valley, California; Portofino, Italy; Cozumel, Mexico;
Stirling, Scotland; Valle Nevado, Chile; and Lavaux, Switzerland.