Destin Area Chamber Awards Outstanding Members and Installs 2012 Board

     Destin, FL, Jan. 19 – On the evening of Thursday, Jan. 19, almost 200 members of the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce gathered at the Emerald Coast Convention Center to celebrate 2011 successes and install the 2012 Officers and Board of Directors.

     “Our goal is to set our wheels in motion not just for 2012, but for the next 20 years, so that as our children grow into tomorrow’s leaders, they have a better Destin than we know today,” said 2012 Chairman of the Board Bill Lindsley, Simple HR, as he accepted the gavel. “Future leaders will look back at this time as pivotal, not just for Destin, but for the Emerald Coast. 2012, the year of momentum!”

     Also during the banquet, the Chamber’s most prestigious annual awards were presented to outstanding members of our Chamber and our community. The James D. Neilson, Sr., Chairman’s Award for Volunteer Service was given to Amy Pleat of Pleat & Perry, P.A. In addition to serving as emcee and host for the Chamber’s monthly television show, Perry’s role as Treasurer brought her insight and wisdom to the Executive Committee. The Board and Chamber benefited from her guidance and her tireless service to the organization.

     Due to his service to the Chamber, his business, and the community, the Business Person of the Year Award was given to Kevin Bowyer of Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel. A past Chamber Chairman and a partner in his firm, Bowyer leads by example that service to the Chamber, his office, and the community are keys to success. He not only represents the firm in this community, but across the state of Florida in economic development, community development, and pro-business activities.

     The Ann Gibson Community Service Award was given to Karen McCarthy of Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union. McCarthy’s years of service as Chamber Board member and past Chairman, her many years serving as Destin Seafood Festival Chair, and her service to area civic and military organizations, show that she leads with her mind, as well as her heart, readily displaying the passion in which she devotes herself to this community.

     For the fifth year in a row, the winner of the Paul Woolman Ambassador of the Year Award was Richard Barrington, Holiday Isle Properties, Inc. Barrington was present at almost every Chamber event and ribbon cutting, and his efforts played a major role in motivating other Ambassadors to participate.

     In addition to Chairman Lindsley, members of the 2012 Executive Committee introduced included Chairman Elect Mary Anne Windes, Real Estate Professionals of Destin, Inc.; Immediate Past Chair Mike Freeman, Acentria, Inc.; Treasurer Amy Perry, Pleat & Perry, P.A.; Vice Chairman/Communications & Marketing Karen McCarthy, Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union; Vice Chairman/Community & Economic Development Shaun Eubanks, Community Bank, Destin; Vice Chairman/Membership Development Steve Jay, Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel; and Vice Chairman/Harbor Association Carey Trotter, Trotter’s General Contractors, Inc.

     Other members of the 2012 Board of Directors introduced included Julie Cotton, Northwest Florida State College; Tim Edwards, Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill; Rebecca Jones, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center; Andi Mahoney, White-Wilson Medical Center; Dave Morrow, Allstate Insurance – Ryland/Morrow Agency; Les Porterfield, TEA, Inc.; Cyndy Thomas, ResortQuest Vacation Rentals; Kathy Whidden, Emerald Coast Chiropractic; Chairman’s Appointee Hayward Dykes, Conerly, Bowman & Dykes, LLP; Chairman’s Appointee Ken Wampler, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc.; Special Appointee Jim Breitenfeld, Breitenfeld Development Services, LLC; and Special Appointee Kim Wintner, Alliance Association Management Co., Inc.

     Outgoing Board members John Comer, Southern Restaurant Group, and Brian Haugen, Emerald Coast Wealth Advisors of Raymond James & Associates, received recognition plaques for their years of service.

     For more information and to see photos from the event, please visit www.DestinChamber.com or ‘like’ us on Facebook.