January 2009 First Friday to be on Second Friday
Our First Friday Breakfast on Second Friday this January features two dynamic leaders who are actively devoting their time, energy, and resources toward the betterment of Jackson County. Our sponsor this month is REGIONS BANK.
Tommy Lassmann, outgoing 2008 Chairman of the Chamber’s Board, will be reflecting on his term as chairman and how his theme, "Believe in Jackson County", shaped his agenda for the year. In his State of the Chamber remarks, Tommy will share his experiences as Chairman and discuss the Chamber’s most important accomplishments during 2008.
Jamie Streetman, incoming 2009 Chairman of the Board, will be launching his term and announcing his theme for the year. Jamie will introduce the new members and officers of the 2009 board, outline his priorities for the year, and discuss what he believes are the most important ingredients for growth and success during these challenging times. Jamie is a 5th generation native of Jackson County and like our outgoing Chairman....he "Believes in Jackson County." Currently a Real Estate Broker Associate with Coldwell Banker The Hatcher Agency since 2005, Jamie spent 32 years prior in the Automotive Industry. From 1988 until 2004, he served as a Corporate Trainer for "Standard Motor Products", an International Automotive Parts Manufacturer. Jamie is married to Sandra Johnson Streetman from Bascom. They have four children and three wonderful grandchildren.
Start the New Year with a clear picture of the goals and opportunities that lie ahead. Commit yourself to being involved by attending this important breakfast. Celebrate the success of our outgoing Chairman, and get to know our new leadership team.
Attending our First Friday Power Breakfast is the best way to become connected and stay involved with leaders in our community. If you know someone new to Jackson County, bring them as your guest. Mark your calendar and join us for breakfast.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Farm City Breakfast on Friday Nov. 14
For all of you folks who rely on our First Friday brand to remind you when to show up for our monthly First Friday Power Breakfast, you need to reset your calendar this month. Our usual First Friday program will be on the Second Friday this month, November 14th, because November is Farm City month.
Celebrating Agriculture in Jackson County during the month of November with a big Farm City Day event is a tradition that goes back 35 years. This will be the second year in which the event is being held as a breakfast program in conjunction with the Chamber’s monthly breakfast series.
This year’s exciting Farm City Day Breakfast will be held on Friday, November 14th, the second Friday in November, from 7:00am – 9:00am at the Agricultural Conference Center on Penn Avenue. Our Corporate Sponsor this year is East Coast Ethanol, and our sustaining community sponsors are the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners, the City of Marianna, the communities of Graceville, Cottondale, Grand Ridge, and Sneads, and of course, the Florida Farm Bureau.
Farmers and their families, business leaders, community leaders, elected officials, and all citizens interested in agriculture are invited to attend.
Ed Jowers, long time Extension Agent for Jackson County who is retiring this year, will present the annual awards for excellence in agriculture, including Outstanding Farm Family, Cattleman of the Year, Conservationist of the year, Tree Farmer of the Year, Peanut Farmer of the year, Cotton Farmer of the year, Quality Hay Producer of the year, and High Yield Corn Producer.
Also, we have an extra special speaker for our program this year, Jackson County’s own Ms. Carly Barnes, who is currently serving as Area 1 State Vice President of the Florida FFA. Carly’s presentation will be titled Growing Toward the Future. She will be discussing the changing face of Agriculture and how those changes affect Jackson County.
Carly herself represents an aspect of the changing face of Agriculture. A 2008 simultaneous graduate of both Malone High School and Chipola College, Carly has a long history of involvement in agriculture through FAA. She is investing this year serving as a statewide officer for FFA, and plans to continue her education next year in preparation for a career in agriculture.
In order to help more young people like Carly secure an education and help preserve the legacy of our agricultural heritage, the Farm City Day Organizing Committee launched a scholarship fund last year to provide assistance to students interested in agricultural related studies. Over $5,000 was raised last year, and more funds are being raised this year to provide long term funding for this endeavor. We will be introducing the 2008 recipient of the first Farm City Day Scholarship at this year’s Farm City Day Breakfast.
Because this will be our last chance to recognize Ed Jowers at a Farm City Day event before he retires, we will honor our friend Ed, who has been a vital part of Farm City Day activities for over 30 years, with a special token of our appreciation. We will also hear a few memorable "Ed Jowers" stories from those who know him the best. We aren’t sure yet, but we might even allow Ed a final turn at the microphone for a closing rebuttal. You’ll just have to join us for the 2008 edition of our Farm City Day Breakfast on Friday November 14th to experience this memorable event and find out what Ed and others may have to say.
Mark your calendar Right now, and join us Friday Morning, Nov 14th at 7:00am for Farm City Day Breakfast.
Russ House Endowment
In other news, we are pleased to announce that our First Ever Fund Raiser to launch the Russ House Endowment Fund was a great success. Approximately 75 people attended the Art Auction and Wine Tasting last Thursday evening, and it generated over $2,000 in net proceeds.
Special thanks go to guest pianist Anita Pizza for setting the mood with exceptional jazz and pop classics, to The Artist Guild of NW Florida for the generous donation of Artwork for the auction, to Mary Pettis, our VP of Operations and Michele Kimbrough, president of the Artists Guild of NW Florida for your time and talent organizing and setting up the event, to Tommy Lassmann, 2008 Chairman of the Chamber Board who led the charge to create this event, and to all the friends of the Russ House and the Chamber who participated and eagerly supported our cause.
This program has now been successfully launched, and efforts will continue as we work toward the goal of establishing a fund that will maintain the Russ House in perpetuity.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Chamber Corner 10/16/08
I’m writing this report while I’m in Orlando, Florida, where I just attended the annual meeting of the Florida Chamber of Commerce to participate in a Forum discussing the Future of Florida. This Forum on the Future of Florida could not have come at a better time considering the worldwide economic crisis unfolding around us.
Led by Susan Story, the president of Gulf Power and outgoing Chairman of the Board of the Florida Chamber, the forum featured presentations by some of the top experts in the state in the areas of business, economics, politics, education, and government.
The program began with an assessment of the current state of Florida’s economy and a discussion about the implications the national and global financial crisis will have on Florida. While there was plenty of bad news to go around, just as there is across the nation and around the globe, there was also a strong sense of hope and opportunity.
Dr. Tony Villamil, President of The Washington Economics Group, and Dean of the School of Business at St. Thomas University, pointed out that while we are experiencing an extremely severe global business cycle downturn, Florida’s Fundamentals are still in place! People still want to live in Florida and the fundamental demand for Florida will grow – even if there is a dramatic slow down in the near term as people pause to let the wild uncertainty in the markets settle down a bit. When the housing and credit crisis stabilizes, people – particularly affluent baby boomers – will resume their migration to Florida.
When we look past current conditions, start to focus on the future, and plan for the next 20 years, we see a clear basis for hope, opportunity, and long term optimism. 1) Florida still has sunshine, warmth, and a high quality of life, and 2) Florida is still expected to add 10 million more people over the next 20 years.
To make sure Florida – and by extension, Jackson County – prepares and plans for the future while working through the current crisis, the Florida Chamber has developed a model for helping us build a future where Florida will exert Global Market Leadership, have Vibrant Communities, and enjoy abundance and Prosperity.
This model is built on a foundation of Six Pillars of Thought. The 6 Pillars, or areas for action, that support our shared vision of Global market Leadership, Vibrant Communities, and Prosperity are: 1) Quality of Life, 2) Governance, 3) Business Climate, 4) Infrastructure, 5) Innovation, and 6) Talent.
Each one of these 6 Pillars, or areas for action, has specific meanings, specific measurements, and specific goals. We don’t have space in today’s article to discuss each of them and what they mean for you, so we’ll deal with them in future articles.
At the conclusion of this Forum on the Future of Florida, as summarized by Forum moderator Susan Story, there was a clear consensus that hope and opportunity are more than just a feeling or a "sense of the moment". They are Central Beliefs that Sustain Us during times of trouble, and motivate us to work together for the future we want to create for ourselves and our children.
Coming back to the present, I’ll close with a reminder about the October 30th Art Auction and Wine Tasting to benefit the Russ House Endowment. There are a limited number of tickets available, so call the chamber today to reserve your spot at this exciting event.
Led by Susan Story, the president of Gulf Power and outgoing Chairman of the Board of the Florida Chamber, the forum featured presentations by some of the top experts in the state in the areas of business, economics, politics, education, and government.
The program began with an assessment of the current state of Florida’s economy and a discussion about the implications the national and global financial crisis will have on Florida. While there was plenty of bad news to go around, just as there is across the nation and around the globe, there was also a strong sense of hope and opportunity.
Dr. Tony Villamil, President of The Washington Economics Group, and Dean of the School of Business at St. Thomas University, pointed out that while we are experiencing an extremely severe global business cycle downturn, Florida’s Fundamentals are still in place! People still want to live in Florida and the fundamental demand for Florida will grow – even if there is a dramatic slow down in the near term as people pause to let the wild uncertainty in the markets settle down a bit. When the housing and credit crisis stabilizes, people – particularly affluent baby boomers – will resume their migration to Florida.
When we look past current conditions, start to focus on the future, and plan for the next 20 years, we see a clear basis for hope, opportunity, and long term optimism. 1) Florida still has sunshine, warmth, and a high quality of life, and 2) Florida is still expected to add 10 million more people over the next 20 years.
To make sure Florida – and by extension, Jackson County – prepares and plans for the future while working through the current crisis, the Florida Chamber has developed a model for helping us build a future where Florida will exert Global Market Leadership, have Vibrant Communities, and enjoy abundance and Prosperity.
This model is built on a foundation of Six Pillars of Thought. The 6 Pillars, or areas for action, that support our shared vision of Global market Leadership, Vibrant Communities, and Prosperity are: 1) Quality of Life, 2) Governance, 3) Business Climate, 4) Infrastructure, 5) Innovation, and 6) Talent.
Each one of these 6 Pillars, or areas for action, has specific meanings, specific measurements, and specific goals. We don’t have space in today’s article to discuss each of them and what they mean for you, so we’ll deal with them in future articles.
At the conclusion of this Forum on the Future of Florida, as summarized by Forum moderator Susan Story, there was a clear consensus that hope and opportunity are more than just a feeling or a "sense of the moment". They are Central Beliefs that Sustain Us during times of trouble, and motivate us to work together for the future we want to create for ourselves and our children.
Coming back to the present, I’ll close with a reminder about the October 30th Art Auction and Wine Tasting to benefit the Russ House Endowment. There are a limited number of tickets available, so call the chamber today to reserve your spot at this exciting event.
The Chamber Corner 10/2/08
OCTOBER FIRST FRIDAY:
It’s time to start thinking about our first Friday Chamber Breakfast again. Our program this Friday, October 3rd will feature Olaf Roed, President & CEO of Green Circle Bio Energy, the new wood pellet plant that opened earlier this year in Steele City, just south of I-10 on Hwy 231. Embarq is our sponsor this month.
Green Circle Bio Energy was established with the purpose of becoming a major player in the international market for renewable, carbon neutral energy. In their search for the best location in the world to locate their operation, Green Circle choose Jackson County as the place to build the world’s largest energy wood pellet plant. The plant, which opened and started operations in May of this year, represents a $ 110 million investment in our community. Olaf Roed, the President & CEO of Green Circle Bio Energy Inc., started the company along with a group of Swedish investors.
Olaf received his MBA in 1981, and has 27 years of experience in international business, within consumer and industrial markets, covering both the product and service sectors. He is a Norwegian citizen and a 21 year resident of the United States. In 1990 Olaf Roed became the first employee of Saga Forest Carriers, an ocean shipping line operating world wide, and a major carrier in the transportation of forest products. He was Saga’s President & CEO for the company’s first 10 years in business. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a leading entrepreneur and CEO who is a pioneer in large scale green technology. Remember, Friday morning, October 3rd at the Agricultural Conference Center on Penn Avenue.
FARM CITY DAY:
Looking to November, it’s time to make plans for our Annual Farm City Day Breakfast. It will be held on the second Friday in November, so mark your calendar and look for more details to be coming soon.
ART AUCTION AND WINE TASTING:
The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and The Artists Guild of North West Florida have partnered to create a special event for lovers of original Jackson County artwork and fans of the Historic Russ House.
To raise seed money for an endowment fund to maintain and preserve the Historic Russ House, the Chamber and the Artists Guild will be hosting a "first of its kind" Art Auction and Wine Tasting at the Russ House on Thursday evening, October 30th. A collection of original art featuring prominent Jackson County images created by local artists will be presented for auction to raise money for the Historic Russ House Endowment. The long range purpose of the Historic Russ House Endowment is to establish an endowment fund sufficient to maintain and preserve in perpetuity the beautiful, Historic Russ House, home of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.
Mark your calendar for Thursday evening October 30th starting at 5:00pm. There will be a silent auction from 5:00pm until 6:15pm, with a live auction of selected works of art beginning at 6:15pm. All artwork to be auctioned will be on exhibit at the Russ House for two weeks preceding the Art Auction and Wine Tasting on October 30th.
Only 80 advance purchase reserved tickets will be available for this unique, exclusive cultural and charitable event. Reserved tickets are available now by contacting the Chamber at 482-8060. Call now to make your reservation to attend. Tickets are $30 each, or $50 per couple. Remember, the Art Auction and Wine Tasting is Thursday evening, October 30th at the Russ House. Call now for reservations!
Barbara Pledger Retires
For our final thought for today, we at the Chamber want to extend a special congratulations to Barbara Pledger who is retiring after serving 30 years at the Jackson County Extension office. Barbara has been a wonderful asset to the community, and a special friend to the Chamber. Her many hours of volunteer service in addition to her dedication to the extension office have been a blessing for all of us. We come together to wish Barbara a wonderful and happy life in retirement.
It’s time to start thinking about our first Friday Chamber Breakfast again. Our program this Friday, October 3rd will feature Olaf Roed, President & CEO of Green Circle Bio Energy, the new wood pellet plant that opened earlier this year in Steele City, just south of I-10 on Hwy 231. Embarq is our sponsor this month.
Green Circle Bio Energy was established with the purpose of becoming a major player in the international market for renewable, carbon neutral energy. In their search for the best location in the world to locate their operation, Green Circle choose Jackson County as the place to build the world’s largest energy wood pellet plant. The plant, which opened and started operations in May of this year, represents a $ 110 million investment in our community. Olaf Roed, the President & CEO of Green Circle Bio Energy Inc., started the company along with a group of Swedish investors.
Olaf received his MBA in 1981, and has 27 years of experience in international business, within consumer and industrial markets, covering both the product and service sectors. He is a Norwegian citizen and a 21 year resident of the United States. In 1990 Olaf Roed became the first employee of Saga Forest Carriers, an ocean shipping line operating world wide, and a major carrier in the transportation of forest products. He was Saga’s President & CEO for the company’s first 10 years in business. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a leading entrepreneur and CEO who is a pioneer in large scale green technology. Remember, Friday morning, October 3rd at the Agricultural Conference Center on Penn Avenue.
FARM CITY DAY:
Looking to November, it’s time to make plans for our Annual Farm City Day Breakfast. It will be held on the second Friday in November, so mark your calendar and look for more details to be coming soon.
ART AUCTION AND WINE TASTING:
The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and The Artists Guild of North West Florida have partnered to create a special event for lovers of original Jackson County artwork and fans of the Historic Russ House.
To raise seed money for an endowment fund to maintain and preserve the Historic Russ House, the Chamber and the Artists Guild will be hosting a "first of its kind" Art Auction and Wine Tasting at the Russ House on Thursday evening, October 30th. A collection of original art featuring prominent Jackson County images created by local artists will be presented for auction to raise money for the Historic Russ House Endowment. The long range purpose of the Historic Russ House Endowment is to establish an endowment fund sufficient to maintain and preserve in perpetuity the beautiful, Historic Russ House, home of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.
Mark your calendar for Thursday evening October 30th starting at 5:00pm. There will be a silent auction from 5:00pm until 6:15pm, with a live auction of selected works of art beginning at 6:15pm. All artwork to be auctioned will be on exhibit at the Russ House for two weeks preceding the Art Auction and Wine Tasting on October 30th.
Only 80 advance purchase reserved tickets will be available for this unique, exclusive cultural and charitable event. Reserved tickets are available now by contacting the Chamber at 482-8060. Call now to make your reservation to attend. Tickets are $30 each, or $50 per couple. Remember, the Art Auction and Wine Tasting is Thursday evening, October 30th at the Russ House. Call now for reservations!
Barbara Pledger Retires
For our final thought for today, we at the Chamber want to extend a special congratulations to Barbara Pledger who is retiring after serving 30 years at the Jackson County Extension office. Barbara has been a wonderful asset to the community, and a special friend to the Chamber. Her many hours of volunteer service in addition to her dedication to the extension office have been a blessing for all of us. We come together to wish Barbara a wonderful and happy life in retirement.
The Chamber Corner 9/25/08
Green Circle Bio Energy CEO to speak at October First Friday
Fall is officially here and its time to start thinking about important events coming up in October, and the first place to start with is our First Friday program on October 3rd. The October program is sponsored by Embarq.
Our featured speaker will be Mr. Olaf Road, President & CEO of Green Circle Bio Energy, a company that he started with Swedish investors. The company was established with the purpose of becoming a major player in the international market for renewable, carbon neutral energy.
Green Circle has built the world’s largest energy wood pellet plant in Steele City, just south of I-10 on Hwy 231. This facility represents a $110 million investment by the company. The plant stated operations in May of 2008.
Olaf received his MBA in 1981, and has 27 years of experience in international business, within consumer and industrial markets, covering both the product and service sectors. Olaf Roed is a Norwegian citizen and a 21 year resident of the United States.
In 1990 Olaf Roed became the first employee of Saga Forest Carriers, and he was Saga’s President & CEO for the company’s first 10 years. Saga is an ocean shipping line, operating world wide, and a major carrier in the transportation of forest products.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a leading entrepreneur and CEO who is a pioneer in large scale green technology. Remember, Friday morning, October 3rd at the Agricultural Conference Center on Penn Avenue.
Russ House Endowment Art Exhibit and Auction:
The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and The Artists Guild of North West Florida have partnered to create a special exhibition and auction of original local art on Thursday evening, October 30th to raise money for the Historic Russ House Endowment Foundation. The purpose of the Historic Russ House Endowment Foundation is to establish an endowment fund sufficient to maintain and preserve in perpetuity the beautiful, historic Russ House, home of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.
Mark your calendar for Thursday evening October 30th and stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks. Only 100 or so reserved tickets will be available for this exclusive cultural and charitable event, and these tickets will go on sale the last week in September. If you would like more information or want reserve a ticket, contact the Chamber at 482-8060, that’s 482-8060.
Fall is officially here and its time to start thinking about important events coming up in October, and the first place to start with is our First Friday program on October 3rd. The October program is sponsored by Embarq.
Our featured speaker will be Mr. Olaf Road, President & CEO of Green Circle Bio Energy, a company that he started with Swedish investors. The company was established with the purpose of becoming a major player in the international market for renewable, carbon neutral energy.
Green Circle has built the world’s largest energy wood pellet plant in Steele City, just south of I-10 on Hwy 231. This facility represents a $110 million investment by the company. The plant stated operations in May of 2008.
Olaf received his MBA in 1981, and has 27 years of experience in international business, within consumer and industrial markets, covering both the product and service sectors. Olaf Roed is a Norwegian citizen and a 21 year resident of the United States.
In 1990 Olaf Roed became the first employee of Saga Forest Carriers, and he was Saga’s President & CEO for the company’s first 10 years. Saga is an ocean shipping line, operating world wide, and a major carrier in the transportation of forest products.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a leading entrepreneur and CEO who is a pioneer in large scale green technology. Remember, Friday morning, October 3rd at the Agricultural Conference Center on Penn Avenue.
Russ House Endowment Art Exhibit and Auction:
The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and The Artists Guild of North West Florida have partnered to create a special exhibition and auction of original local art on Thursday evening, October 30th to raise money for the Historic Russ House Endowment Foundation. The purpose of the Historic Russ House Endowment Foundation is to establish an endowment fund sufficient to maintain and preserve in perpetuity the beautiful, historic Russ House, home of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.
Mark your calendar for Thursday evening October 30th and stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks. Only 100 or so reserved tickets will be available for this exclusive cultural and charitable event, and these tickets will go on sale the last week in September. If you would like more information or want reserve a ticket, contact the Chamber at 482-8060, that’s 482-8060.
The Chamber Corner
April First Friday Focused on New International Airport
It’s time once again to mark your calendar for our April First Friday program.
This Friday morning, April 4th, at the Ag Conference Center on Penn Avenue, we will be presenting a special program on the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport.
State Representative Jimmy Patronis, who played a major role in securing approval for the new airport while serving as chairman of the airport authority, and Randy Curtis, Executive Director of the Panama City-Bay County International Airport, who manages airport operations and oversees the entire development project, will be discussing the airport’s progress and the implications of its development on our region.
Our program is titled "Engine of Growth: Building the Panama City-Bay County International Airport", and our program this month is sponsored by one of Jackson County’s newest businesses, The UPS STORE. Owned and operated by local businesswoman Judy Williams, The UPS Store will soon be opening its doors at 4417 Constitution Lane in downtown Marianna. State Representative Jimmy Patronis.
Jimmy Patronis (R) was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, District 6, in November 2006. House District 6 includes portions of Bay County, all of Gulf County, and the city of Apalachicola in Franklin County. A lifelong resident of Bay County, Jimmy is a partner in Captain Anderson’s Restaurant and Market. Representative Patronis is recognized as an outstanding leader in his hometown and throughout the state. As mentioned before, he is a past Chairman and Board Member of the Bay County-Panama City International Airport and Industrial District, and played an important role in securing approval for the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport.
Randy Curtis, Executive Director
Panama City-Bay County International Airport Joining Representative Patronis in the presentation about the new airport is Randy Curtis, Executive Director of the Panama City-Bay County International Airport. Randy has 32 years experience in airport management and has served for 12 years as Executive Director of the Panama City-Bay County Airport. He has a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Technology from Middle Tennessee State University and a master’s degree in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee.
Randy has been at the forefront of the planning process to secure funding and approval for the new international airport, and is now in operational charge of seeing the construction and relocation project through from inception to completion.
We are excited to have Randy and Rep. Patronis visit with us and provide an update on the airport project and information about the projected long term economic impact on the region in general, and Jackson County in particular.
We start serving breakfast at 7:00am and the program begins at 7:45am. Remember, our First Friday Power Breakfast is this Friday, April 4th at the Ag Conference Center on Penn Avenue. Don’t miss this important program!
Ribbon Cutting
Last week we were proud to visit Graceville and assist with the Grand Opening celebration of Tri County Oil and Lube located on Hwy 77 just one block north of the VF Factory Outlet. Owned by long time locals Alan and Robin Wakefield, Tri-County Oil and Lube will handle all of your automotive service needs. Additionally, their adjoining convenience store and fuel pumps can take care of all of your commuting and quick service needs. Drop by and visit with Alan and Robin. Tell them you read about their new business in The Jackson County Times.
It’s time once again to mark your calendar for our April First Friday program.
This Friday morning, April 4th, at the Ag Conference Center on Penn Avenue, we will be presenting a special program on the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport.
State Representative Jimmy Patronis, who played a major role in securing approval for the new airport while serving as chairman of the airport authority, and Randy Curtis, Executive Director of the Panama City-Bay County International Airport, who manages airport operations and oversees the entire development project, will be discussing the airport’s progress and the implications of its development on our region.
Our program is titled "Engine of Growth: Building the Panama City-Bay County International Airport", and our program this month is sponsored by one of Jackson County’s newest businesses, The UPS STORE. Owned and operated by local businesswoman Judy Williams, The UPS Store will soon be opening its doors at 4417 Constitution Lane in downtown Marianna. State Representative Jimmy Patronis.
Jimmy Patronis (R) was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, District 6, in November 2006. House District 6 includes portions of Bay County, all of Gulf County, and the city of Apalachicola in Franklin County. A lifelong resident of Bay County, Jimmy is a partner in Captain Anderson’s Restaurant and Market. Representative Patronis is recognized as an outstanding leader in his hometown and throughout the state. As mentioned before, he is a past Chairman and Board Member of the Bay County-Panama City International Airport and Industrial District, and played an important role in securing approval for the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport.
Randy Curtis, Executive Director
Panama City-Bay County International Airport Joining Representative Patronis in the presentation about the new airport is Randy Curtis, Executive Director of the Panama City-Bay County International Airport. Randy has 32 years experience in airport management and has served for 12 years as Executive Director of the Panama City-Bay County Airport. He has a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Technology from Middle Tennessee State University and a master’s degree in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee.
Randy has been at the forefront of the planning process to secure funding and approval for the new international airport, and is now in operational charge of seeing the construction and relocation project through from inception to completion.
We are excited to have Randy and Rep. Patronis visit with us and provide an update on the airport project and information about the projected long term economic impact on the region in general, and Jackson County in particular.
We start serving breakfast at 7:00am and the program begins at 7:45am. Remember, our First Friday Power Breakfast is this Friday, April 4th at the Ag Conference Center on Penn Avenue. Don’t miss this important program!
Ribbon Cutting
Last week we were proud to visit Graceville and assist with the Grand Opening celebration of Tri County Oil and Lube located on Hwy 77 just one block north of the VF Factory Outlet. Owned by long time locals Alan and Robin Wakefield, Tri-County Oil and Lube will handle all of your automotive service needs. Additionally, their adjoining convenience store and fuel pumps can take care of all of your commuting and quick service needs. Drop by and visit with Alan and Robin. Tell them you read about their new business in The Jackson County Times.
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