United Way Emerald Coast Hosts Third Annual 40 Under 40 Awards
Event spotlights young professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation and dedication
Rising Stars
New Regional Collaboration Celebrates Inaugural Class
Class I Graduates of Leadership Northwest Florida are celebrated
Alex Sanchez Proudly Represents the Nation’s Economic Engine
"The banking industry is meeting the needs of the American people.”
U.S. Attorney Larry Keefe Establishes Public Corruption Unit in Tallahassee
There's a new prosecutor in town and he's one to watch
The Mitchells Agency Earns Gold at National Advertising Competition
Tallahassee ad agency wins for TMH commercial campaign
Phillip Stutts Understands Disruptions
His advice? Keep your head up and be prepared to change.
Young Leaders Making Their Mark On The 850
Meet more of Northwest Florida’s-up and-coming business leaders in this fifth installment of 40 Under 40. From Tallahassee to Pensacola, from a former major leaguer to an economic development specialist to a hot shot realtor, see who is making a mark on the business world and in their own community.
John Certo, 34, Panama City Beach
Runs a restaurant in Panama City Beach where everybody may not know your name, but he does. A third generation chef, his mantra is, "We don't do fancy … we do fresh." A local favorite, Andy's Flour Power has been featured in Southern Living and many travel magazines and John has served as a celebrity chef at plenty of local fundraising events. Three of his four grandparents were Italian, the fourth came from Bay County, which he visited while on vacation in 2005 and then decided to make his home.
Phillip Singleton, 27 Tallahassee
Legislative director for the Pittman Law Group in Tallahassee and, at the age of 27, has already worked with Fortune 500 companies, the Florida Legislature, collegiate sports teams and the banking industry. Last year he was recognized by the Florida Conference of Black Legislators as an "Emerging Leader" in politics. He works to raise money for a wide range of charities, teaches basketball to underprivileged kids and also runs his own company, PGR Outreach Consultants, which provides opportunities for college students and young professionals in the marketing and political world.
Kim Rivers, 34, Tallahassee
Loves the art of the deal and her work shows it. Inkbridge, the Tallahassee company she runs with partner J.T. Burnette, last year closed New Market Tax Credit transactions totaling approximately $60 million to commercialize solar technology developed out of Florida State University. That resulted in two manufacturing facilities, three solar demonstration sites that will provide power to local utility companies and new jobs. So far in 2012, the company has invested in ProBank, a local community bank, to help launch an SBA lending platform and purchased two limited service hotels, among other investments.
