Business PORTFOLIO

By Northwest Florida Daily News, Fort Walton Beach

Jul. 15–Parthenon honors Brewington Parthenon Healthcare of Fort Walton Beach named Betty Brewington as June team player of the month. Brewington has been a certified nursing assistant for more than 30 years. She has worked at Parthenon Healthcare for almost two years. Brewington is responsible for the care of 30 residents. She was recognized for her friendly and compassionate attitude. Haas Center wins WorkNet grant Rick Harper of the University of West Florida’s Haas Center for Business Research and Economic Development was awarded $36,500 from WorkNet Pinellas, Inc. The grant will be used to perform a gap analysis and feasibility study for the Centers of Excellence Career-Technical High Schools for Pinellas County. The Haas Center will identify specific occupations that have high-growth potential, determine gaps in labor supply and demand in high-growth potential occupations, identify industry recognized certificates that can be attained by students within the K-12 system. First City Bank honors Kistner FORT WALTON BEACH — Tiny Kistner celebrated 36 years of service with First City Bank. Kistner began her career as a teller and then moved into the operations area of the bank. She currently works in account maintenance. Bank President and chief operating officer Bob Bennett recognized Kistner for her loyalty, dedication and dependability. Kistner witnessed tremendous growth and countless changes during her tenure including the addition of the second floor to the main building’s original structure. She saw the destruction from Hurricane Opal and the subsequent and extensive repairs. Kistner has also enjoyed watching the new First City Bank rising beside the old building. Kistner is a native of Fort Walton Beach and graduated from Choctawhatchee High School in 1961. McCaskill to serve on state committee Tiffany McCaskill, new product development manager for the Walton County Tourist Development Council, was appointed to serve on Visit Florida’s nature-based tourism committee. The committee advises the new product development department at Visit Florida on nature-based interests by identifying needs and establishing priorities and program recommendations. At the TDC, McCaskill manages the planning and implementation of programs to promote the natural, coastal, arts, culture and heritage tourism products that enhance the Beaches of South Walton’s marketing brand. She oversees programs such as the nature-based certification program, Walton County Artist of the Year and Autumn Tides. Visit Florida is the state’s official tourism agency that markets and facilitates travel to and within Florida. McLaughlin nominee for PR award NAVARRE — Sabrina McLaughlin was named the 2007 Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization’s nominee for the Southern Public Relations Federation’s Annual Professional Achievement Award. McLaughlin will represent ECPRO and the state of Florida at the SPRF Conference Awards Ceremony to be held in Mobile in September. She will compete against the nominee from the Public Relations Council of Alabama, the Public Relational Association of Louisiana and the Public Relations Association of Mississippi. The SPRF Professional Achievement Award is based on career achievements, professional activities, accreditations and continuing education and community service activities. McLaughlin, a Santa Rosa County native, is a graduate of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. She currently owns and operates The PR Girl, Inc., a full service public relations consultancy serving clients across the country.

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Copyright (c) 2007, Northwest Florida Daily News, Fort Walton Beach

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