Force Fields The economic influence of the military in Northwest Florida is undeniable — and in negotiations on everything from oil exploration to endangered species, it’s a component of our livelihood that should not be underestimated By SCOTT JACKSON It…
You’ve heard it before: "My life is on my smartphone." What you probably haven’t heard is this: If your employer provides that laptop, BlackBerry or iPhone, then you should have no expectation of privacy. The Intersection of Work & Life…
You’re trying to keep premiums at a minimum, but does your business have enough insurance protection? ChancesNot Worth Taking When did you last check your insurance coverage? Re-evaluate your policy now — before disaster strikes By Gary Fineout After…
As the legislative battle over oil drilling heats up, Dave Rauschkolb has called on fellow opponents to form a line in the sand —literally — to stop it. A Line in the Sand As the legislative battle over oil drilling…
Patents. Trademarks. Copyright. Learn how to protect your intellectual property. Protect Your Thoughts As competitiveness ramps up, learn how to put intellectual property protections to good use By Bill Hollimon As Florida and the rest of the country struggle…
Al Wenstrand, president of Florida’s Great Northwest, reflects on the military’s impact on the 850 region’s economic health. Married to the Military By President Al Wenstrand I’m pleased that 850 Magazine invited me as a guest columnist in the issue…
We would like to see some state economic development effort focused on the Northwest Florida area. Santa Rosa is a border county competing with a very aggressive neighbor state — Alabama — and we feel that the effort in attention…
He’s a hard-nosed litigator with a soft spot in his heart for the Special Olympics, a high-profile dealmaker who represents corporate giants such as Wal-Mart, Costco and McDonald’s — and "Girls Gone Wild" founder Joe Francis. The Deal-Maker: Rick Bateman,…
Florida home sales up again  By MICHAEL PELTIER | THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA TALLAHASSEE — Fueled by federal tax credits and low prices, existing home sales in Florida jumped 61 percent in November compared to a year ago,…
Lawmakers to hold job creation summit  By JOHN KENNEDY | THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA TALLAHASSEE — With the national recession going into a third year, House and Senate leaders Tuesday said they will hold a summit next month…
Northwest Florida Beaches Among Frommer's Top Destinations For 2010 DESTIN — Frommer's travel guide has named "Florida Panhandle Beaches" as one of its top destinations to visit in 2010. The region, also known as THE Beach, stretches for more than…
Second thoughts on unemployment tax hike By JOHN KENNEDY | THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA  TALLAHASSEE — Florida business groups are pressing lawmakers to stop a skyrocketing increase in the state’s unemployment compensation taxes, but are being told they…
Citizens high-risk rate increase approved  By MICHAEL PELTIER | THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA  TALLAHASSEE — Business and home owners living in high-risk areas and getting their insurance from state-run Citizens Property Insurance will see their rates increase…
Florida jobless rate holds steady  By Linda Kleindienst TALLAHASSEE — More than one out of every 10 Florida workers remained jobless in October as the state’s unemployment rate hit 11.2 percent. That means more than 1,027,000 workers out of…
Poll: Floridians not so jolly By MICHAEL PELTIER | THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA  TALLAHASSEE — Deluged by economic uncertainty — failing banks, stock market crashes, taxpayer bailouts and well publicized cases of investment manager fraud — four out…
Cabinet to Williams: Keep us better informed By MICHAEL PELTIER | THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA  TALLAHASSEE — Managers of the state’s $113.5 billion pension fund should have done a better job keeping Cabinet members informed of an ongoing…
Florida home sales continue to rise as prices remain low By JOHN KENNEDY | THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA  TALLAHASSEE — Florida’s plunging home prices sent sales soaring over the three months ending in September, the fifth straight quarter…
Oystermen say they're getting a raw deal By DAVID ROYSE | THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA  TALLAHASSEE — As oyster industry officials from Northwest Florida headed to Washington Monday to try to head off a proposed ban on summer…
Erin VanSickle, former communications director for the Republican Party of Florida, has joined Jerry Paul and Rob Wilson to form Capital Energy Communications LLC. The company will provide strategic communications services combined with energy policy and legislative expertise. Sound Bytes:…
In 2007, Tallahassee City Commissioner Andrew Gillum brought several businesses and organizations together to establish the Digital Harmony Program. Today, with the help of the school system and members of the Tallahassee business community, the program is scaling new heights.…
The business of renewable energy, especially in the 16 counties of Northwest Florida, is going through some awkward growing pains. Growing Pains The Panhandle’s renewable-energy business sector might have to come to grips with its own limitations By Jason Dehart…
With more and more Northwest Florida companies establishing international contacts and setting up export or import businesses, it’s important that travelers prepare for healthy travel abroad. Have Health, Will Travel Business taking you abroad? Forget about the solar PDA charger…
In this climate, the small and medium-size businesses that make up the bulk of the Northwest Florida economy have the most to lose. An Enemy Among Us Increasingly, small businesses are finding themselves victimized by those they trust the most…
The economic slump hasn’t done much for your business, your employees haven’t received raises, and morale is pretty much going down the drain. What do you do to lift spirits and encourage your employees to keep working hard and going…
Instead of responding to e-mail as it comes in, these experts suggest setting aside a daily block of time for e-mail. And even consider — gasp — turning your e-mail off completely. Your Business, Unplugged Productivity experts say minimizing use…
While the current national recession has taken its toll on us here in the Panhandle, just like it has hurt people throughout Florida, I am confident we will ultimately weather the storm and, for a variety of reasons, weather it…
While Panama City’s new airport is getting all the attention at the moment, all four of Northwest Florida’s major aviation centers are preparing to entice tourists and business travelers alike. All Systems Go While Panama City’s new airport is getting…
How can Florida businesses find out how to tap into stimulus money coming to the state? Gov. Charlie Crist answers. Stimulating the Economy and the Arts Q: How can Florida businesses find out how to tap into stimulus money…
A federal appeals court in May ended the last pending legal challenge to the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport, denying a petition for review of the Federal Aviation Administration’s decision approving the relocation to West Bay. The World’s Next…
With three Pensacola restaurants and another in Seaside, as well as his newspaper musings, writing the "Good Grits" cookbook, raising a 16-year-old daughter and helping various charities, you wouldn’t think that celebrity chef Jim Shirley had time for anything else.…
Southwest Airlines Is Coming to Panama City From 850 Business Magazine reports Southwest Airlines on Wednesday announced it would begin jet service from Northwest Florida's new international airport near Panama City when it opens in May 2010. The decision culminates…
TSA Announces $4 Million Grant for New Panama City-Bay County International AirportPANAMA CITY — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced a grant of approximately $4 million to the Panama City-Bay County International Airport for the construction of a new…
AT&T Boosts 3G Coverage for Customers in North Florida ORLANDO — AT&T customers wanting faster data speeds to surf the net, download ringtones, play games and send emails faster are now getting it from the latest 3G expansions throughout North and…
Commercial real estate holding back Florida recovery  By JOHN KENNEDY | THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDATALLAHASSEE — Florida home sales this month are expected to mark one solid year of steady uptick but a sharp drop in the sale of…
Could Real Estate Investments Boost State Pension Fund?  By MICHAEL PELTIER | THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDATALLAHASSEE — Florida investment managers were urged Tuesday to look at Florida real estate opportunities as the state tries to rebuild its retirement investment…
 Florida Unemployment Rate Unchanged  TALLAHASSEE — Florida’s unemployment rate remained unchanged in July, holding at 10.7 percent — meaning close to 1 million Florida workers remain unemployed.State officials suggested that a recent infusion of federal stimulus dollars could have…
PSC to power companies: Show me the money By KEITH LAING | THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDATALLAHASSEE — With the state's two largest public utilities asking the Public Service Commission to allow them to raise rates, the PSC ruled Tuesday that…
Hartford to refund $48 million in comp premiums By MICHAEL PELTIER | THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA TALLAHASSEE — Hartford Financial Service Group will repay $48.2 million in workers’ compensation premiums to Florida companies under an agreement announced Wednesday by Florida Insurance…
Economists: Florida revenue estimates down slightly, economy stabilizing By JOHN KENNEDY | THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDATALLAHASSEE — Florida’s tax collections are flowing in $147.1 million below expected levels, but the relatively mild shortfall left Florida economists Tuesday waving off talk…
EnergyFLA: Florida Should Reap Oil Benefits Business Wire TALLAHASSEE — Florida should look at California's landmark bipartisan agreement to permit oil drilling in state waters as a way to put people to work and help fund vital public services in the face…
A Record Number of Days at the Park By The News Service of Florida More people visited Florida state parks in the recently completed fiscal year than ever before, the state Department of Environmental Protection said Wednesday. The most popular…
Tallahassee Workshop on How to Compete for Government Contracts The Leon County Division of Minority/Women Small Business Enterprise (M/WSBE) and the City of Tallahassee’s Minority Business Enterprise Office will sponsor a Bidding Power workshop on Thursday, July 30, from 9…
Do-Good DeveloperHoward Group develops prestigious retail and residential properties while supporting the community’s philanthropic needsBy Ashley Kahn Founded by Keith Howard in 1987, Howard Group has developed upscale resort residences — Vizcaya at Dune Allen and Blue Mountain Beach —…
Early RiserTommy Lassman gets the jump on Jackson County business By Diane Hirth It used to drive me crazy," Tommy Lassmann recalled of his father’s insistence on getting the family to church way before services started. Now, getting a jump…
Shovel-Ready and WillingCentral Northwest Florida is using an infusion of resources and cash from the state to leverage its economic development plans on an international scaleBy Tisha Crews Keller The I-10 corridor of Northwest Florida is mainly known for its…
Community MainstayMichelle Anchors helms a multigenerational mission to better Fort Walton BeachBy Wendy O. Dixon Waking up early does not come naturally to Fort Walton Beach attorney and mother Michelle Anchors. Most days, with some nudging from her husband, the…
Seaside’s SculptorsHow Robert and Daryl Davis developed one of Florida’s most famous towns By Linda Kleindienst Robert Davis remembers building sand castles on the sugar white beaches of Northwest Florida when he was only three years old. Little did he…
Lean, Green and GrowingNavy Federal Credit Union’s Pensacola campus gets gold star for eco-friendly effortsBy Maggie Kelly The largest credit union in the world is also the greenest credit union on the planet, serving 3 million members worldwide. In 2004,…
High-Impact BloggerInternet entrepreneur Jason Koertge emerges as a news force in Panama City BeachBy John Eric Vona One part blog, one part news Web site and one part community forum, pcbdaily.com is a hybrid on the cutting edge of the…
Have Web, Will TravelBud Finlaw goes toe-to-toe with online vacation-booking giantsBy Lilly Rockwell Nine years ago, Bud Finlaw saw opportunity in the Internet when his Panama City advertising company began to stall. With no office, a handful of computers and…
