Year: 2009

PCB Sand Sports and Panama City Beach

img_0193PCB Sand Sports in partnership with the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau welcomed Beach Tennis USA President Jim Lorenzo and Daniel Weinberg Marketing Director along with the EVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour President Ross Balling. Russ Smith hosted the group at the Towne of Seaaven’s Origin as part of the hospitality coop from the local area. Many local properties offered to host these important guests and we appreciate the interest and excitement from across the community.

Richard Sanders, Director of Sports Marketing with the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau discussed dates and tournament schedule ideas to showcase Panama City Beach as one of the host cities for the EVP Pro Beach Tour in Summer 2009. The EVP Pro Beach Tour can bring exposure on Comcast Cable TV Network to more than 70 million homes.

PCB Sand Sports is working with both major beach sand sports associations to present the white sand beaches across Panama City Beach for the launch of a combined sporting event that will showcase “sand sports” . This will include Beach Soccer as we continue to share our vision of how this can help develop the new brand for PCB and grow activities for the local community as well as offer events and exposure to grow tourism in the area.

Rick Dye, President of Regions Bank and a founder of the non-profit Bay Areas Sports Association which is focused on developing sports for the local community by working closely with schools hosted a reception Friday night January 9th at Baja Grill. This provided an opportunity to introduce both sports to the local business community.

We had a great attendance with much interest in the “new sport and buzz of Beach Tennis” and discussion on how to work closer together. Beach Tennis showcased the “ball” used for Beach Tennis and provided t-shirts and hats as part of their hospitality for the attendees.

Dr. Jason Newsome, Director of Bay County Health Department was also in attendance and shared his input on the benefit sand sports can bring to the local community to get citizens out to play.

We discussed ideas to engage the schools within the community to expand opportunities for local leagues along with the tournaments and Pro Beach events for these hot and growing beach sand sports.  Beach Tennis is now licensed in more than 7 global countries and can bring International visitors along with Beach Volleyball as the area prepares to open the new airport.

Ideas for the New Panama City Beach Web Site

The new web site for Panama City Beach should be pretty sweet.  Ok, now that I’ve secured my insecurity regarding my terminal uncoolness, lets get right down to it.

Participants heralded from all walks of the hospitality and tourism industry in PCB.  The audience was spotted with community leaders such as Jack Bishop and Buddy Wilkes and the little guys such as individual condo owners, and was chaired by Jennifer Barbee from JBInc.

The idea behind the meeting was to brainstorm with the local tourism industry on what they liked and disliked about the current web site and what their expecations were with the new web site.

Some of the ideas were:

  • Come up with a categorization process or criteria for events posted on the events calendar.  CJ Ryan had mentioned that there is a distinct difference between events and specials and that should be discerned on the calender.  There was actually a lot of discussion about the calender.  I agree with CJ, and disagree at the same time.  I think there should be a discernment between events and specials (meaning 2 for 1 drinks and where ever), but I don’t see any reason why they should not be on the same calendar.  I think anything dated should be in the same place so the user doesn’t have to look in multiple places to see what is happening on what date.
  • One of the participants suggested having a Craig’s List of sorts for PCB where travelers could post their needs and resorts could respond.  I don’t see how this would work, logistically.
  • Using Niche content – users would arrive at the site and gently be asked a series of questions so the site could get a feel for who they are.  After a few questions, the user would be directed to a series of custom pages that would be populated based on the answers to their questions.  I’ve seen this before and it is a very powerful way of guiding the user to the parts of the web site that would best convert the user into money.  These processes usually include pretty detailed site flow traffic.  This would enable us to tweak all the varying elements of the site to make the presentation more effective.  We need to be moving in this direction.
  • Part of the previous section includes feeding the user accommodations options based on their input.  Other suggestions included a way for people to search by varying criteria such as “indoor pool”, or “pet friendly”, etc.
  • There was discussion about offering package deals
  • The audience talked about having an online booking engine.  There are good arguments for and against this as it effects the varying aspects of the local tourism industry in myriad ways.  Jennifer ultimately said that having a booking engine on the actual destination site historically hasn’t been real effective but was willing to explore that option further.
  • It was discussed to tailor the events calendar based on user input – again, going back to the Niche content.
  • Discussed was user-derived content such as photos, e cards and video.  This could possibly include a user generated content community.  Another local site has done this and the execution was done very well.  I think this is a necessity as we move forward.  We need to seriously consider having a user community where people can create profiles, chat in forums, IM each other, and post pictures and video.  It wouldn’t be very difficult to implement a verification, screening, or moderation process to ensure that less favorable or unsuitable material wouldn’t make it live.  People are dying to post their videos and picture of the beach in a place that others that share their same passion can view them.  The trick is marketing the whoopsidoodle out of it and consistency.
  • Of course, the whole site would need to be set up with RSS, with feeds specific to all the varying categories of  content, maybe even custom feeds generated on the fly based on user input (is that possible?  surely some genius can figure that out).
  • Online chat was suggested where visitors could chat with a live person about the area.
  • Video based promotion and a web cam.  The TDC/CVB currently has a web cam but is cannot be viewed from the visitpanamacitybeach.com web site, it goes through WeatherBug, or something like that.  Also talked about was “man-on-the-street” video covering happenings in Panama City Beach.  This is great, but one has to be careful to not make it TOO “man-on-the-street”.  The News Herald is guilty of often posting videos that are so terrible that you can’t hardly tell what they are saying.  Sorry NH, but you’ve got to buy a better video camera, a microphone, and some skills!  I still love you guys though.
  • Capability for the vendors to login and manipulate their information on the site, i.e. pictures, copy, specials, etc.
  • Continue meeting in workshops to keep up with industry needs.

All in all, there were some great ideas and a good platform has been made for a great web site.  Jenn Barbee is sharp and I’m excited to see what we get.

Download her presentation (3.9mb)

TDC Meeting Agenda – Beach Renourishment, PCB Fest and More.

Up for discussion and approval will be the funding for the Panama City Beach Renourishment Engineering and Modeling Report, Consider for Approval Panama City Beach Turtle Watch Program Description and Budget for 2009, and an update on the Panama City Beach Seafood, Music and Wine Festival.  I assume they’ll be talking about this year and what’s planned for next year.

The full agenda is below, or you can download the pdf.

AGENDA

COMBINED BOARD MEETING
Bay County Tourist Development Council
Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.
Panama City Beach
Monday, January 12, 2009                    1:00 p.m.        Council Room, PCB City Hall

I.    CALL MEETING TO ORDER

II.    ROLL CALL

A.    Invocation
B.    Pledge of Allegiance
C.    Approve Minutes From the December 9, 2008 Meeting

III.    REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS (3 Minutes)

IV.    UPDATE ON BED TAX COLLECTIONS, Ms. Charlene Honnen, Tourist Development Tax Specialist

V.    ELECTION OF OFFICERS

A.    Chairman of the Board
B.    Vice Chairman of the Board
C.    Secretary/Treasurer of the Board

VI.    BOARD ACTION ITEMS

A.    Discuss and Consider for Approval CVB/TDC Financial Statements Dated September 30, 2008, and October 31, 2008, Mr. Dan Rowe, President
B.    Discuss and Consider for Approval Scope of Work and Fee Proposal for Panama City Beach Renourishment Engineering and Modeling Report, Coastal Planning & Engineering, Mrs. Lisa Armbruster, Sustainable Beaches, LLC
C.    Discuss and Consider for Approval Panama City Beach Turtle Watch Program Description and Budget for 2009, St. Andrew Bay Resource Management Association, Mrs. Lisa Armbruster, Sustainable Beaches, LLC
D.    Discuss and Consider for Approval Coastal Planning & Engineering Invoice #81242 and Invoice #81243, Mr. Dan Rowe, President

VII.    BOARD DISCUSSION ITEMS

A.    Update on the 2008 Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine & Music Festival, Mr. Jack Bishop, Eventertainment, LLC
B.    Update on Marketing Activities, Ms. Susan Estler, VP of Marketing

VIII.    PRESIDENT’S REPORT

IX.    AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

X.    ADJOURNMENT

Panama City Pops Lauches Centennial Celebration

010809_popsThe Marina Civic Center will be alive with the sounds of The Panama City POPS “Sentimental Journey,” the orchestra’s centennial celebration Saturday, January 10, 2009, at 7:30 pm.

The evening promises to be an exciting one.  An officially sanctioned orchestra of the 2009 Panama City Centennial Celebration, The POPS will perform music from every decade of the last 100 years.  “It will be a very recognizable and thoroughly enjoyable program,” stated Maestro Eddie Rackley.  “The POPS will perform classical favorites by the likes of Strauss and Haydn, as well as sounds from the Big Band era, jazz and folk pieces, even Latin and rock.”

The highlight of the program will be the performance of two pieces specially commissioned for this event.  American conductor, composer and pianist, Louis Stewart, has written “Music for Panama City,” a Copland-esque composition echoing the sounds of the dean of American composers.   The second piece, “Emerald Jubilee”  has been composed by Kevin Kaska, whose “Golden Falcon Prelude” was debuted in at The POPS opening concert in October.

Louis Stewart, 64, is a native of Aberdeen, WA.  Currently an Associate Professor on the faculty of the Berklee College of Music, he is a graduate of the New England Conservatory in Boston and the Peabody Institute in Baltimore.  Specializing in new music, he has conducted and played premieres in New York, Seattle, Boston and Baltimore, and has guest conducted in the United States and Southeast Asia.

From 1971 to 1977 Mr. Stewart was pianist and assistant conductor with the Martha Graham Dance Company where he was involved with several revivals, premieres and international tours.  In 1976 he was invited to play a performance at the White House as part of a special ceremony honoring Martha Graham.  He has also authored two film and several theatrical scores, and is a recording artist for Denouement Records.

Kaska, 36, is a native of Seattle, WA.  While in high school he was the only protégé of  Hollywood composer-arranger, Vic Schoen.  He studied film composition at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.  While in Boston he formed his own jazz orchestra playing the music of Stan Kenton.

Mr. Kaska’s orchestral compositions, arrangements and orchestrations have been played worldwide by orchestras including John Williams and Keith Lockhart the Boston POPS Orchestra, the Seattle Philharmonic, Orchestra X in Houston, Phoenix Symphony, Jacksonville Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, the London Symphony Orchestra and Royal Scottish National Orchestra, as well as Maynard Ferguson and the Big Bop Nouveau Band and Skitch Henderson and the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall.

“This concert will have something for everyone,” stated Rackley.  “Aficionados and nescients alike will be delighted and dazzled by the evening’s program.  It will be a wonderful tribute to Panama City.”

Individual tickets to the January 10 Centennial Celebration performance are $40 for adults,
$35 for over age 65 or active military, and $10 for ages under 12, and are on sale now at the Marina Civic Center, 850-763-4696 or www.marinaciviccenter.com.

For more information see www.panamacitypops.org or call (850) 785-POPS (7677).

Joey's Java Juice Closes Two of Three Locations


After being open just 4 months, Joey’s Java Juice on Harrison Avenue in downtown Panama City closed its doors Monday.  Amid economic pressure and decreased consumer spending I guess the new location just couldn’t hang in there.

Joey’s Java Juice had been recently purchased from Joey Purvis by Bill and Cindy Holt.  Shortly after their purchase, they moved quickly to open the new location in place of  Harrison Avenue’s Strange Brew Coffee House.

Joey’s Harrison Avenue and Front Beach Road location are closed with the Back Beach Road location set to stay open.

“The other locations just weren’t making enough money,” said an employee of the Bach Beach Road shop, “we have a much larger menu at this location and see a lot more traffic because of the location.”

Having known Joey, I’m sad to see any of them close down, but I am glad that the one that stayed open is right down the street from me.

Valentines Specials on Panama City Beach

Couples Can Enjoy Intimate Escapes to the Shore with Special Romance Packages

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 29, 2008) – Panama City Beach makes it easy to whisk away your loved one this Valentine’s Day with special savings on accommodations and a variety of romance packages.

Spend a romantic weekend on the award-winning beaches that have made this Northwest Florida destination famous.  Valentine’s Day packages include everything needed for a perfect evening of romance, from champagne and keepsake glasses to flowers, chocolate-dipped strawberries and more.

Couples will find a variety of heartfelt and fun activities to enjoy.  Visit ZooWorld to see celebrity power couple Tonda, the orangutan, and her feline friend, T.K. short for “Tonda’s Kitty.”  Recently featured on Animal Planet as one of the world’s oddest animal couples, this devoted duo is sure to melt your heart.  Adding to the fun, Panama City Beach’s annual Mardi-Gras Parade takes place, Feb. 14.  Couples can celebrate the glamour and pageantry of this age-old tradition.

Panama City Beach doesn’t fall short when it comes to classic romance.  With the destination’s 27 miles of silky, white-sand beaches lapping clear emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, couples will have no trouble finding secluded stretches for tranquil strolls and amazing sunsets.  They also can spend their days at the spa, go kayaking, take nature hikes, enjoy sunset sails, and savor romantic dinners at a myriad of fine-dining venues.

From intimate beach cottages to luxurious high-rise condominiums, Panama City Beach offers a variety of accommodations with heartwarming deals like these below:

  • For Valentine’s Day, BY THE SEAS RESORTS introduces the Sea of Love package starting at $89 per couple per night.  Package provides gulf-front accommodations, free continental breakfast and a beaded wire basket filled with a bottle of champagne, souvenir champagne flutes, long-stemmed seashell rose and ocean mist-scented sea salts for the bath. Guests can choose from posh penthouse or Jacuzzi suites.
    • Located in the heart of Panama City Beach, BY THE SEA RESORTS offers a variety of room types, including standard rooms and one and two-bedroom suites with fully-equipped kitchens and private balconies overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.  Amenities include heated gulf-front pools, free continental breakfasts, free airport shuttle service, game room and more.  Call toll-free 888-627-0625 or visit http://www.bythesearesorts.com
  • Shores of Panama presents a Valentine’s Weekend Package at just $500 per couple.  The package includes a two-night stay in a one-bedroom condo with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, couples Swedish massage at the property’s spa, $50 certificate for dinner at nearby Boatyard or Schooners restaurants, chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of sparkling wine.  Unlimited access to the indoor pool, hot tub and fitness center is included.  All applicable taxes are included in the package price. Couples can choose to upgrade to a Hot Stone Massage for just $25 per person. Valid Feb. 12 – 16.
    • Accommodations range from studios to three-bedroom suites. The 23-story Shores of Panama boasts a spectacular grand lagoon pool surrounded by a 13,900 square-foot deck in addition to a heated indoor pool. Guests enjoy health club with fitness equipment, spa and sauna; high-speed Internet access; and more.  For more information and reservations call 1-877-808-4323 or visit http://www.ShoresofPanamaCityBeach.com
  • The Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort gives couples the opportunity to get away on Valentine’s Days or any day during the month of February. Starting at just $129 per night this offer includes gulf-front accommodations, chocolate-covered strawberries, a bottle of champagne, late checkout and breakfast for two on property at The View Restaurant. Additional nightly rates start at $89. Valid Feb. 1 – 28, 2009. The hotel offers a Tropical Lagoon Pool with cascading waterfall and hot tub, new SunSet martini lounge, three restaurants and a fitness center.  Call 1-800-633-0266 or visit http://www.hipcbeach.com for reservations and information.
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites presents a Sweetheart Deal at just $269 per couple. This offer includes extended king room for two nights, a dozen roses, bottle of wine or champagne, gourmet chocolate-dipped strawberries and complimentary movie. Taxes not included.
    • The La Quinta Inn & Suites is located in the heart of Panama City Beach’s shopping, dining, and recreation scene. Enjoy modern amenities such as free WiFi, a free Bright Side BreakfastTM, fitness center and heated outdoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi. For more information, call 1-800-531-5900 or visit http://www.laquintapcb.com
  • The Driftwood Lodge and Osprey on the Gulf are offering a Romance Package that includes a three-night stay and special champagne package with champagne, complimentary champagne glasses and chocolates for $225.00 based on double occupancy.  Taxes not included. Offer is valid throughout Feb. 2009.  Reference code “HART” when booking.
    • The Driftwood Lodge offers gulf-front accommodations, heated pool and sun deck, courtyard and picnic area. For more information call 1-800-442-6601 or visit http://www.driftwoodpcb.com.
    • Osprey on the Gulf offers spacious units and suites, full kitchens and private balconies with Gulf views.  Amenities include heated pool, sundeck, toddler playground and picnic area, as well as children’s activities, cookouts and sandcastle competitions. For more information, call 1-800-338-2659 or visit http://www.ospreyonthegulf.com
  • The Inn at St Thomas Square has special rates on accommodations for the Valentine’s Day Weekend starting at just $174 for two nights for an efficiency unit. Rates include all taxes and fees. Offer valid Feb. 13 and 14. Located along Grand Lagoon, The Inn at St. Thomas Square houses studio and efficiency rooms, as well as one-, two-, and three-bedroom accommodations with fully equipped kitchens and washer/dryer.  Visit http://www.basicmgt.com or call 800-874-8600 for reservations and information.
  • Top of The Gulf beckons with special rates on accommodations for the Valentine’s Day Weekend starting at just $159 for two nights for an efficiency unit. Rates include all taxes and fees. Offer valid Feb. 13 and 14. Guests enjoy easy beach access and central location with restaurants, entertainment, shopping and golf minutes away.  Each condominium is a spacious, 440 square feet with fully equipped kitchen, dining area, bath and walk-in closet.  Visit http://www.basicmgt.com or call 800-874-8600 for reservations and information.
  • Spend two nights at the Pinnacle Port, and receive a gift certificate for a romantic dinner for two. Valid for Valentine’s Weekend either Feb 13 – 15 or Feb. 14 – 16. Use code “VAL” when booking. The resort provides a secluded getaway with private beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Accommodations range from one-, two-, and three-bedroom town homes or mid-rise units.  Call 1-800-874-8823 or visit http://www.pinnacleportrentals.com for more information and reservations.
  • For Valentine’s Day, Vacation Resorts International invites with 25 percent off the regular room rate at each of its Panama City Beach properties.  Discounted rates start at $94 per night for a one-bedroom townhouse at the Landmark Holiday Beach Resort and $56 per night for an oceanfront efficiency at the Panama City Resort & Club. Minimum three-night stay required.  Taxes not included. Offer valid Feb. 13 – 16.
    • Centrally located to area attractions, Panama City Resort & Club offers quick beach access, outdoor pool and spa. The Landmark Holiday Beach Resort provides guests with gulf-front accommodations with full kitchens and washer/dryers. Facilities include indoor heated pool, sauna, tennis courts and more. Visit http://www.8664myvacation.com for more information.
  • Country Inn & Suites has a special Valentine’s Day rate of $69.99 per night for Jacuzzi Rooms and King Suites. The cozy, country-style property provides rooms with complimentary high-speed Internet access, 32-inch LCD TV, micro-fridge and more.  Facilities include pool, fitness center, sauna and on-site laundry.  There is also a Read it & Return® lending library.  Call 850-249-4747 for more information.

Citizens Insurance Likely to Raise Rates

At the end of 2009, Citizens Property Insurance Corp., Florida’s largest home insurer, probably will be free to raise rates for the first time in three years.

On Tuesday, a state-appointed task force charged with returning Citizens to its original role as the state’s insurer of last resort agreed that any increase in Citizens’ rates should be capped at 10 percent a year for three years to ease the financial burden on policyholders.

It’s one of several recommendations the 11-member task force will submit to the Florida Legislature this month.

Citizens’ rates, which were frozen at 2006 levels, aren’t high enough to pay claims should a major hurricane strike the state, experts say. The rate freeze expires at the end of this year, and the state-run insurer said it plans to impose higher rates as soon as possible.

Read the rest of the article.

Director of Economic Development Alliance Resigns, Dr. Ed Wright Steps In

The Bay County Economic Development Alliance(EDA) has announced that Ted Clem, Executive Director of the EDA, has resigned after accepting a position as President/CEO of the Albany – Dougherty County Economic Development Commission in Albany, Georgia.

“I am very grateful to the EDA board and leadership for giving me the opportunity to serve them,” said Clem. “Together we have had a great deal of success and have watched Bay County transition from a seasonal economy to a year round economy. I love this community greatly, but I believe the time is right time to move on to new challenges and opportunities.”

Clem has served as Executive Director of the EDA since September, 1999, and was instrumental in helping recruit new companies to the area such as Sprint/Nextel and Oceaneering International.

In order to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership, Dr. Ed Wright, retired Dean of FSU-Panama City has agreed to serve as an interim director of the EDA and to lead the search for a new executive director. The EDA Board, investors, and volunteers have initiated a strategic planning process to determine future direction and priorities for the organization in these challenging economic times. Dr. Wright’s leadership through this process will be invaluable to the organization.

“We are appreciative of the job Ted has done for us over the years and will miss his leadership and expertise,” said Elizabeth Walters, chairman of the EDA. “These are challenging times in a difficult economy, but Bay County’s future is brighter than ever. Bay County is well poised to expand its place in the global economy. We are grateful that Dr. Wright has agreed to work with us in this transition period such that the work of the EDA proceeds without interruption. His past experience as a community leader in Bay County and his academic background in public administration and policy make him uniquely qualified for this task.”

Clem’s resignation will mean that his official tenure as executive director will end on January 5th, but will be available to assist Dr. Wright as needed until he assumes his new role in Albany in Mid-January.

Strategic Planning Session for new Panama City Beach web site

The Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Tourist Development Council has retained the services of Jennifer Barbee Inc. to build the new VisitPanamaCityBeach.com web site.  Thursday, January 8th from 1 to 3 pm a public meeting will be held at the Bay Point Marriott with representatives from JB Inc. and YPartnership to solicit public input.

I’ve added this to the calendar in the sidebar.

You can be sure I’ll be there.