BEACHBAG
WHAT’S HOT AND HAPPENING ON THE EMERALD COAST
Coastal Vision 3000 Takes Off
Nearly 100
Northwest
Florida business and community
leaders came together
on June 19th as officials
with Coastal Vision
3000, a non-profit
organization focused on
marketing the region,
and the Panama City
– Bay County International airport discussed
future economic and
growth opportunities
for the area. The open-forum gathering, which
was held under a tented
meeting space at the site
of the future airport, currently the only airport
under construction in
the country, was led by
Davage “Buddy” run-
nels, chairman of Coastal Vision 3000 and chairman of the Destin-based The Sterling Companies.
Coastal Vision 3000’s mission includes branding the six-county area of Northwest Florida, including escambia, Santa rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay and Gulf counties, as “THe Beach.” The group,
which was founded in 2007, marked the event as a true beginning for its promotional
initiatives, by introducing Mel Ponder as its newly appointed executive director and
unveiling plans for a membership campaign.
runnels, who is a co-founder of the organization, said, “Today means we have,
with the joining of the new airport and Coastal Vision 3000, the confirmation of
a long-term economic growth plan to this region. On May 10, 2010, national and
international flights will land on this site. and, because of that fact, with integrity we
can now say to our employees and our customers that our economic challenges will
change. It brings hope and faith that our future is bright.”
Florida Senator Don Gaetz, who was in attendance, praised the group for its
forward-thinking efforts for Northwest Florida. Gaetz said, “I believe a rising tide
floats all boats and Coastal Vision 3000 represents a regional consensus to grow our
economy through smart economic decisions. and this airport is clearly a model for
regional and international development.”
randy Curtis, executive director of the Panama City – Bay County International airport gave the
group a status update on the airport construction, an economic-development venture which many
Left to right: Jerry Ray, senior vice president of corporate communications; Randy
Curtis, executive director of the Panama City - Bay County International Airport;
Jeanne Dailey, broker and president of Newman-Dailey Resort Properties Inc.;
Davage “Buddy” Runnels, chairperson of Coastal Vision 3000 and chairman of
continued on page 28
Photo by Jimmie Roberson
Destin Charity Wine
Auction Foundation
Donates $200,000 to
Children in Crisis
The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation continued their support to Children in
Crisis, Inc. and other children’s charities again
this year. DCWAF’s mission is “Connecting
wine enthusiasts to raise money for children
in need.”
Thanks to the 2008 Charity Wine Auction
event, the Foundation raised over $800,000
and a check for $200,000 was presented to
Children in Crisis, Inc.
The CIC donation will be applied to the
construction fund of the Susan Porter
– Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation
House. This significant donation enables CIC
to continue building Phase 1 of the Children’s
Neighborhood.
For more information on Children in Crisis
or Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation,
visit www.childrenincrisisfl.org or www.
destincharitywineauction.org.
LEFT TO RIGH T: Ken Hair, CIC Executive Director, Joan Carter, DCWAF, Sharilyn Darnell, CIC Board, Don Amunds, CIC Vice President CIC Board, Gayle Atkins, CIC Events Coordinator, Nellie
Bogar, CIC Board, Steve Carter, DCWAF, Mack Gay, President
CIC Board, Betty Hefner, CIC Board and Don Litke, CIC Board.
