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News
Monday, October 02, 2023October 2023 Update from One Okaloosa EDC
By Nathan Sparks, CEcD Executive Director of One Okaloosa EDC Welcome to Fall! After the scorching hot summer that we experienced, the (slightly) cooler temperatures are, quite literally, a breath of fresh air. Fall not only brings cooler weather, lighter traffic, fewer crowds and, my personal favorite, FOOTBALL – it also brings a change of leadership at One Okaloosa as our new fiscal year begins Oct. 1. We cannot say enough about what a pleasure it has been to serve under Jillian McQueen, Hilton Garden
Thursday, September 14, 2023Bit-Wizards Urges Businesses to Assess BCDR Plans Amidst Height of Hurricane Season
Managed IT Services company, Bit-Wizards, encourages businesses of all sizes to assess their business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) plans as we reach the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. 25% of businesses fail to reopen after a disaster, which is why it’s crucial for companies that could be affected by a hurricane to take BCDR seriously and plan in advance. “If a disaster impacts your business and you don’t have a plan, at the very least, you’re going to lose clients, you’re going to lose
Tuesday, August 01, 2023Bit-Wizards Makes Top 5 Again!
For the 14th year in a row, Bit-Wizards was named one of Florida's Best Companies To Work For in 2023. The annual Best Companies To Work For In Florida list, featured in the August issue of Florida Trend magazine, ranks 100 companies in small, medium, and large employer categories. After a couple of years of tremendous growth, Bit-Wizards moved from the Small to Midsized category in 2022. Coming in at #4, this is the second consecutive year that Bit-Wizards has secured a spot in the top
Tuesday, July 25, 2023Bit-Wizards’ Recent Pen Test Results Prove High Level of Security
Bit-Wizards is proud to announce that they scored a 5 out of 5 on their latest external pen test and a 4.5 out of 5 on their internal pen test. The Managed IT Service provider chooses to undergo a penetration test every six months, allowing an outside company to perform an authorized attack on their network to evaluate its security posture. “The goal is to try to be one step ahead of the hackers at all times. Instead of going through a vulnerability assessment, which tends to be cheaper and less time
Monday, May 15, 2023Okaloosa County Public Schools Foundation Inaugural Pickleball Smash a Success
The Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation (OPSF) held its inaugural Spring Pickleball Smash April 28 thru 30 at Mooney Tennis & Pickleball Courts in Fort Walton Beach. The three-day tournament raised over $15,000, which will support and extend educational opportunities for the Take Stock in Children (TSIC) scholarship program, which currently provides two-year college scholarships and one-on-one mentoring for academically deserving high school students from low-income families. In addition, the money will also
Wednesday, May 10, 2023Bit-Wizards Makes Best Workplaces List!
For the seventh year in a row, Bit-Wizards is named to Inc. Magazine’s annual Best Workplaces list. Featured in the May/June 2023 issues, which hits newsstands on May 16, 2023, and prominently featured on Inc.com, the list is the result of a comprehensive measurement of American companies that excel in creating exceptional workplaces and company culture, whether operating in a physical or virtual facility. After collecting data from thousands of submissions, Inc. selected 591 honorees this year. Each
Thursday, May 04, 2023Be the Magic Foundation Pledges Over $45,000 in Support for PAWS in 2023
To kick off its third year of partnership with the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society, Bit-Wizards' Be the Magic Foundation (BTMF) is doubling down on its support this year. On Saturday, April 29th, BTMF presented PAWS’ Executive Director, Ashley Degraaf, a check for $20,000 and spent the afternoon volunteering onsite. In addition to the cash donation and over 40 hours of Wizard volunteer time at the facility, PAWS will also receive a total of $20,000 in hardware and skill-based services. “Bit Wizards
Thursday, February 23, 2023Bit-Wizards Awarded American Advertising Federation Gold and Silver Addys
Bit-Wizards’ magical team was awarded Gold and Silver “ADDYs” by the American Advertising Federation Pensacola chapter for the 13th year in a row. The ADDY Awards are the largest and most representative competition in the advertising industry, recognizing and rewarding the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising. For their work in 2022, Bit-Wizards earned two Gold and 12 Silver ADDYs, totaling 14 awards. Recognitions spanned various categories, including graphic design, social media,
Wednesday, February 01, 2023Bit-Wizards Be the Magic Foundation’s Monetary and Skills-Based Donations Total More than $426k in 2022
Bit-Wizards’ Be the Magic Foundation (BTMF) reached new heights during its second year of conception. Through a variety of partnerships, a total of 24 local nonprofits, organizations, and students received a combined $176,362 in cash donations and over $249,800 in services and volunteer support throughout 2022. Founded in 2021, BTMF is committed to making the future of its community stronger and more viable through the support of Youth Development, Adults & Children with Special Needs, Animal
Friday, January 27, 2023Watch Full Presentation: Is Bad I.T. Costing You?
Did you miss the event or are you ready to watch now? Is bad I.T. costing you? It's time to talk about the elephant in the room. Brought to you by Bit-Wizards. The full presentation is available here.
Tuesday, January 17, 2023Bit-Wizards Hosts Free Webinar on How Bad IT is Costing Businesses
The Bit-Wizards Managed IT Services team is getting ready to host its first webinar of the year, “How Bad IT is Costing Your Business.” This will be a virtual presentation and live Q&A session focused on how outsourcing IT to a managed services provider (MSP) can prevent your business from wasting money. “As a new year begins and inflation continues to cause concern, many business owners are looking to tighten their purse strings. We want to make sure they fully understand how downtime, security
Monday, December 19, 2022Bit-Wizard's Be the Magic Foundation Brings Christmas Spirit to Families in Need
It’s Christmastime, and for the Wizards that means shopping, wrapping, and gifting is afoot! Several years ago, the team at Bit-Wizards decided that in lieu of client gifts and holiday cards, the company would donate Christmas gifts to families in need. For 2022, Bit-Wizards’ Be the Magic Foundation chose to donate to 14 families, including 25 kids, that reside at Fresh Start for Children and Families. Fresh Start’s mission is to share love and compassion through a comprehensive educational, vocational,
Tuesday, December 06, 2022Bit-Wizards Offers Six Tips for Holiday Security
The holidays are full of fun and family time, which can sometimes lead businesspeople to let their guards down. Unfortunately, this is the very reason bad actors tend to take advantage of businesses during the holiday season. “There’s an increase in activity for cyber threats this time of year because hackers know that many people are not being as vigilant as they normally are,” says Jason Monroe, Director of Solution Consulting at Bit-Wizards. “By nature, we’re relaxed, we’re happy, and we don’t think
Monday, October 24, 2022Free Webinar: Peace of Mind at Holiday Time / IT Tips for Holiday Travel
In this presentation and live Q&A session, our IT experts cover everything you need to know to keep your business’ IT safe and secure this holiday season. Our Directors of IT and Solution Consulting will personally answer your real-time questions related to IT security while traveling, remote accessibility for employees working from home, how to avoid the rush of ransomware and phishing attacks that surface over the holidays, and more. Airs Tuesday, November 8th, 11am CTSign up now!
Thursday, October 13, 2022Be the Magic Foundation Partners with Boy Scouts of America Gulf Coast Council
Continuing its pledged support for Youth Development in the local area, the Be the Magic Foundation announced its newest partnership endeavor at Fort Walton Beach Chamber First Friday Coffee. The Boy Scouts of America Gulf Coast Council serves the youth in four districts (Choctawhatchee, Lake Sands, Long Leaf Pine, and Pensacola Bay) that span 11 counties in Florida (Bay, Washington, Holmes, Gulf, Walton, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Escambia) and Alabama (Conecuh, Escambia, Monroe). The mission of the Boy
Tuesday, September 06, 2022Bit-Wizards Donates to Two Choctaw High School Organizations
As part of its 2022 philanthropic initiatives, Bit-Wizards’ Be the Magic Foundation selected two organizations at Choctawhatchee High School (CHS) as donation recipients. At today’s Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce’s First Friday Coffee, Choctawhatchee Style Marchers Director of Bands Anthony Denaro and Choctawhatchee High School Theatre Director Karen Monroe each received $2,500 checks for the 2022-2023 school year. “Support from partners like Bit-Wizards is essential for the continued success of
Friday, August 05, 2022Bit-Wizards Named #2 on Top 100 Best Companies List
For the 13th year in a row, Bit-Wizards has been named one of Florida's Best Companies To Work For. The annual Best Companies To Work For in Florida list, featured in the August issue of Florida Trend magazine, ranks 100 companies in small, medium, and large employer categories. During the previous 12 years of recognition, Bit-Wizards fell into the Small Companies category. Due to their exponential growth over the last year, Bit-Wizards now falls into the Midsized Companies category. To participate,
Wednesday, July 27, 2022Is Your Business Hurricane Ready?
Thursday, July 21, 2022Bit-Wizards’ Be the Magic Foundation Provides $7,500 in Scholarships to Students Tied to Local Area
Three students with local ties each received $2,500 from the Be the Magic Foundation to further their education. Quin Gable, Brynn Repicky, and Aniah Gonzales were selected as recipients of the Foundation’s inaugural College Scholarship Program. Gable, Repicky, and Gonzales each overcame significant challenges during their quest for excellence in academics, sports, leadership, patriotism, and community service in high school. Quin Gable, a Choctawhatchee High School graduate, will attend the University
Friday, July 01, 2022Bit-Wizards Helps Shalimar Police Department Pass an FBI Audit with Flying Colors
“I would not recommend anybody else to meet your IT needs. Bit-Wizards can do it all." - John Cash, Shalimar Chief of Police There were roughly 50 to 60 requirements set forth in the FBI audit, all of which Shalimar PD had to be in compliance with within 60 days of receiving the information. Learn how the Bit-Wizards Managed IT Services team made it happen.
Tuesday, May 10, 2022Bit-Wizards Ranks Among Highest-Scoring Businesses on Inc. Magazine’s Annual List of Best Workplaces
For the sixth consecutive year, Bit-Wizards is named to Inc. magazine’s annual list of the Best Workplaces for 2022. Hitting newsstands on May 17, in the May/June 2022 issue, and as part of a prominent Inc.com feature, the list is the result of a wide-ranging and comprehensive measurement of American companies that have created exceptional workplaces and company culture whether teams are operating in a physical or virtual facility. CEO, Vince Mayfield and COO, Louis Erikson founded Bit-Wizards on a
Thursday, May 05, 2022Bit-Wizards Blog: 5 Cloud Computing Trends Impacting Businesses
Cloud computing has completely changed the business technology landscape over the last two decades. One might even say that cloud computing has altered the very nature of how businesses operate. Cloud computing is the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or personal computer. “There are different kinds of cloud computing,” says Bit-Wizards' Managed IT Services Team Manager Brian Schlechter. “In general, your
Friday, April 22, 2022Bit-Wizards Be the Magic Foundation Partners With Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge
As part of its 2022 philanthropic initiatives, the Be the Magic Foundation Board of Directors selected the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge as one of 12 nonprofit partners for the year. The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge’s mission is education, conservation, and rehabilitation for the welfare of Florida’s natural fauna. As part of the new partnership, Executive Director Crystie Baker and her four-legged assistant, Landlord the Gopher tortoise, paid a visit to the staff at Bit-Wizards and spoke to the team
Monday, February 28, 2022Bit-Wizards Brings Home American Advertising Federation Gold
For the 12th year in a row, the magical team at Bit-Wizards brought home a record-breaking number of American Advertising Awards at the Local competition level. The “ADDYs” are the largest and most representative competition in the advertising industry, recognizing and rewarding the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising. For their work in 2021, Bit-Wizards earned a whopping nine Gold and 17 Silver ADDYs for a total of 26 Awards. Recognitions spanned across various categories, including
Monday, February 07, 2022Bit-Wizards Blog: The Top 5 Cyber Threats Facing Businesses
Cyber-criminals are attacking businesses everywhere. You must protect your assets through diligent determination EVERY SINGLE DAY. Finding an IT partner or professional to watch over your network should be as much a part of your business as having business insurance.Keep reading here.
Friday, January 21, 2022Bit-Wizards’ Be the Magic Foundation Gives Back in BIG Ways - January 2022
In early 2021, Bit-Wizards took its philanthropic efforts to the next level by unveiling the Be the Magic Foundation (BTMF). The Foundation is committed to making the future of its community stronger and more viable through the support of Youth Development, Adults & Children with Special Needs, Animal Welfare, and Community Development. After the Foundation’s announcement, dozens of organizations applied online and were vetted by the Be the Magic Foundation board. Through a variety of partnerships, a
Thursday, January 06, 2022Bit-Wizards’ Be the Magic Foundation Gives Back in BIG Ways
In early 2021, Bit-Wizards took their philanthropic efforts to the next level by unveiling the Be the Magic Foundation (BTMF). The Foundation is committed to making the future of its community stronger and more viable through the support of Youth Development, Adults & Children with Special Needs, Animal Welfare, and Community Development. After the Foundation’s announcement, dozens of organizations applied online and were vetted by the Be the Magic Foundation board. Through a variety of partnerships, a
Monday, December 20, 2021Be the Magic Foundation Donates a Magical Christmas
‘Twas the week before Christmas when all through the town, Wizards were joyful and shopping around! Several years ago, the team at Bit-Wizards decided that in lieu of client gifts and holiday cards, the company would donate to families in need. For 2021, the Wizards determined that this year’s recipients would be the 16 children residing at Fresh Start For Children & Families. Fresh Start’s mission is to share love and compassion through a comprehensive educational, vocational, and economic housing
Friday, December 03, 2021Bit-Wizards Co-Parenting App, TalkingParents, Serves Over 550,000 Families in 50 States and 11 Countries
A little-known fact about local tech company Bit-Wizards is that it manages and operates a SaaS (software as a service) application called TalkingParents. 2021 has been a massive year of growth and innovation for both companies. TalkingParents is a leading co-parenting application supporting separated/divorced parents worldwide. The communications platform was founded by resident Stephen Nixon while running his criminal defense and family law practice. “I created TalkingParents as a solution for
Friday, December 03, 2021December 2021 Update from One Okaloosa EDC
Submitted by Nathan Sparks, CEcDOne Okaloosa EDC Executive Director Happy Holidays! With Thanksgiving squarely in the rearview mirror, Hanukkah already underway and Christmas and New Year’s Day right around the corner, we now all find ourselves in the proverbial “Sprint to the Finish” that comes our way this time each and every year. Inevitably, this is the time of year that our internal deadlines begin to mount as the companies and consultants we are working to assist look to achieve end of year
Monday, October 25, 2021Bit-Wizards Named 2021 Best of the Emerald Coast
Bit-Wizards was named 2021 Best of the Emerald Coast for Computer Services/Tech Support. The annual Best of the Emerald Coast readers’ poll results feature top companies across the region in the October issue of Emerald Coast Magazine. “These are businesses that cultivate the respect and admiration of their customers by reliably and professionally providing products, services and experiences that meet and exceed expectations. They groom their employees to be outstanding representatives of their brands
Thursday, October 07, 2021Bit-Wizards Blog: Purpose-Driven Brands Succeed Exponentially and Here’s Why
Corporate philanthropy has been around for ages. Any good business owner or executive knows it is in the best interest of their company to give back through monetary and/or service donations. Whether it’s for financial purposes or simply for the greater good of the communities an organization serves, it’s a proven business strategy. Depending on the size of a business, donations typically range from the sponsorship of a local little league team or hosting a food drive, to multi-million-dollar pledges, to
Friday, September 17, 2021United Way Emerald Coast Honors 40 Under 40
United Way Emerald Coast’s (UWEC) Emerging Leaders is pleased to announce the inaugural class of “40 Under 40” honorees, presented by Step One Automotive Group. This award seeks to recognize Okaloosa and Walton counties’ top young leaders excelling in their workplaces and making a difference in the community. This is UWEC’s first year organizing the Emerging Leaders 40 Under 40 award. Seeing the talent, leadership, and passion possessed by the community’s young professionals, UWEC created a venue to
Thursday, September 09, 2021Don’t Let Ransomware Ruin Your Life
Ransomware attacks are more prevalent than ever. Most organizations approach their IT in two very different ways: proactive and reactive. The reactive approach is becoming increasingly dangerous as ransomware attacks rise. Learn more about how this approach can cost your business time, money, and your reputation. Read more from Bit-Wizards' blog here.
Tuesday, September 07, 2021Bit-Wizards Receives the Gabby Bruce You Make A Difference Award
A2Z Specialty Advertising presented Bit-Wizards with the “Gabby Award” as part of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce’s First Friday Coffee event. This award was given to Bit-Wizards for delivering excellent service to their customers and going above and beyond to help numerous individuals, businesses, and organizations in the community. Named in honor of long-time resident and community volunteer Gabby Bruce, the Gabby Bruce You Make a Difference Award program was started to keep his
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