Winter - Spring 2008

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
A Feeling Like No Other.

Admit it. You're overdue for a break, but finding the time is a challenge. With Americans taking fewer of their earned vacation days than ever, the key to your dilemma is the right destination-one that blends your wide-ranging recreational interests with ease of location and the ambiance you deserve. To find it, head West-but not Vegas-West-to a place called Beau Rivage, the premier MGM MIRAGE resort on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Specializing in pure, unadulterated pleasure in a casually elegant atmosphere, this getaway will shatter whatever preconceived notions you have about regional casinos. The graceful fagade and lush landscaping immediately signal that this is far from the riverboat-style gaming the area became known for in the 1990s.
Indeed, here you'll discover an all-encompassing destination resort as sleek and upscale as its sister properties in the Nevada desert. Only this one is much, much closer. Perfect for those two or three days
you've finally carved out of your hectic schedule.

Named one of the top 100 hotels in the continental United States and Canada by Travel + Leisure, Beau Rivage blends world-class amenities with world-famous Southern hospitality. Naturally, the biggest draw is the seemingly endless array of diversions found in the vibrant, 50,000 square-foot casino. Slots, tables, a spacious non-smoking poker room, and luxurious high limit lounge provide gaming enthusiasts with non-stop entertainment. The electric atmosphere continues in Eight75 and Coast where patrons can cozy up over cocktails in VIP booths or vie for room on the dance floor. Both venues are also popular with those who've enjoyed an evening of stargazing in the Beau Rivage Theatre. Chris Rock, David Copperfield, Willie Nelson, and Wayne Newton are among the many who have wowed audiences in this state-of-the-art performance space. The theatre is also home to lavish, cirque-style productions, including the current show.

This level of action calls for serious sustenance, and the restaurants happily oblige with several intriguing dining options. Capturing the stylish swank of the quintessential fine-dining steak house, BR Prime is an elegant choice for romance or business; Jia's eclectic Pan-Asian menu takes diners on an exotic and palate-pleasing journey; and Todd English's Olives satisfies with the rustic, Mediterranean flavors that catapulted the founder to celebrity-chef status.

Perhaps your vision of an ideal getaway is a soothing retreat, a world away from the daily grind. Tranquility can be yours with just an elevator ride to the second floor where a sanctuary known as the Beau Rivage Spa awaits. For others, golf's combination of physical and mental challenges is the ultimate recipe for relaxation. Fallen Oak-built exclusively for Beau Rivage guests by the world-renowned Tom Fazio-balances the natural topography of the region with architectural enhancements that push the envelope of expectations. There's little wonder why both Golf Digest and Golf Week magazines have ranked Fallen Oak among the top new courses nationwide.

Offering sophisticated amenities, high-energy gaming and nightlife, championship golf, and 1,740 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, your Beau Rivage getaway is the haven you've been seeking. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino is located in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information and reservations call (800) 56-ROOMS or visit www.beaurivage.com.

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Center Stage Ballroom
The one stop dance shop for all ages

Charlie and Dave Ellis met at a dance and started Center Stage Ballroom because, as Charlie tells it, "Dave always wanted to operate a ballroom so other couples could meet like we did."

Center Stage Ballroom has been a fixture here in Pensacola since 1994. The ballroom has been at a number of different locations, but "World Headquarters" for Center Stage Ballroom has always been right here in Pensacola. "People like the fact that they can call us and still talk with the owners of the business," says Lead Dance instructor Nina Boudreaux.

In 2007, Center Stage Ballroom moved to its new spacious location on North Davis Highway. The new location offers a grand ballroom of 6,000 sq. ft. and a smaller, more intimate ballroom of about 1,800 sq. ft., both of which can be rented out for any occasion. Because of its location in the Forest Oaks Plaza, it also has plenty of well-lit parking for patrons.

"We have a great location and facilities for wedding receptions, dances, parties, meetings, and large events," adds Charlie. "Our 6,000 sq. ft. Grand Ballroom has an all hardwood floor, complete sound system, and D.J. booth. Our patrons can select the caterer of their choice to cater their event, decorate the ballrooms, bring in a live band, hire a D.J., or use the D.J. system to create their own music mix. We will work with them to meet all of their needs."

Speaking of dancing and live bands, Center Stage Ballroom holds open dances weekly on Thursday from 8:00-10:00 PM, a Sunday Tea Dance from 2:00-5:00 PM, and Moon Dance- with a night club atmosphere, the 2nd & 4th Monday of the month from 8:00-10:00 PM. At least twice a month on Saturday nights, they have dances featuring local live bands such as The Swinging Dick Tracy's and the bands the Rhythm Lover's Dance Club brings in.

Need lessons to join in with the fun crowd? No, problem; Center Stage Ballroom has nine D.V.I.D.A. certified dance instructors to teach Ballroom, Latin/Salsa, Swing, Country Western, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, and many, many more, including Belly Dance and Fitness Dance! Their clients range in age from 2= years to 87 years old.

From large corporate meetings to wedding receptions, parties, or small intimate anniversary dinners and dances, Center Stage Ballroom has the right facilities. If you would like to go dancing "With the Stars,"
check out their dances and dance lessons.

For more information contact a representative at (850) 479-9444 or visit their web site at www.CenterStageBallroom.com.

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Gulf Coast Office Products
Raising the bar for office products

"Lights, camera - action!" A new Hollywood blockbuster? No. A night at the Oscars? No. It's Gulf Coast Office Products (GCOP) 15 year anniversary, and they have chosen a grand way to celebrate by opening a new 38,000 sq. ft. office furniture showroom and warehouse center right here in Pensacola.

This is a long way from GCOP's humble beginnings, which began in 1993.
Mark and John Wright started with just four employees. Lane Harper joined the company later, and the one small location has now grown to also include locations in Bay Minette, Mobile, and Montgomery, Alabama; and Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

"Gulf Coast Office Products is always looking for new ways to improve our service and product offerings to better serve our client," said Mark Wright, company president. "By investing in this new facility, we will be better able to improve our business customers' local delivery requests and physically show them the many possibilities available in office furniture and furnishings. We are committed to the Pensacola business community, and this was one way we could show them the depth of our commitment."

In addition to handling a catalog full of day-to-day office products, printer cartridges, and toners, GCOP has partnered with the best office furniture and supply companies, including such top names as Global, Knoll, Indiana, and La-Z-Boy. "These high caliber companies are very restrictive with whom they work," adds Lane. "In order for us to become a Knoll Furniture dealer, we had to pass strenuous interviews and a thorough inspection of company business procedures, philosophy, and business history. Companies like Knoll Furniture are known for their designs and quality. They go through great lengths to protect their good name."

Another indication of GCOP's commitment to the Pensacola area is their recent purchase of Core Services, which provides office products and furniture to local, state, and federal governments. "The addition of Core Services really compliments the work we have been doing with the private business sector and will add to the diversity of products that we can offer our customers," says John Wright. "Core Services has been serving our government community for over 12 years and brings the proven Hon Furniture brand to our portfolio."

"Business has been good, and our new home will provide plenty of room for growth. We're very optimistic about the upcoming year," says Mark. "We are planning to introduce seminars and host other special events like the Chamber After Hours for the business community and other key customers."

For more information on how GCOP can help your business, visit them on the web at www.gcop.com or call the Pensacola National Headquarters at (850) 434-5588; Ft. Walton Beach at (850) 244-6122; or in Alabama: Mobile at (251) 476-7100; Bay Minette at (251) 937-9800; or Montgomery at (334) 279-8748.

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CES Team One Communications
Tower of power...

When local organizations need reliable two-way radio communications, they usually think of Motorola and CES Team One Communications. CES Team One, the only Motorola authorized sales and service dealer in the area, has served the Gulf Coast for over 26 years. "We've been around this long because we work with our clients to provide the best product solutions for their needs," explains the company's vice president, Jeff Livingston, "that and we protect our client's investment by making sure that our installation and maintenance staff is always up to date on the latest technology training."

One aspect of their business that might be a little less known is the Tower Services Company. Jeff's brother, Don Livingston III, manages the Tower division. Tower Services designs, installs, maintains, and services communication towers all across the United States. They have built towers for Escambia County, Eglin Air Force Base, and cellular carriers as well as smaller towers for businesses that have their own local area communications system. The Tower Service Company can provide a full range of tower construction services, including pulling permits, preparing sites, gathering soil samples, and stacking the tower as well as providing the lines, equipment buildings, and antennas.

Nationwide, the Tower Services Company has just recently completed a communication tower project in the Arizona desert where it built five towers for a cellular carrier. Needless to say, this experience gave the Tower team an even greater appreciation for the weather here on the Gulf Coast. One of the tower sites was located on top of a solid rock mountain, and it required the use of a heavy lifting helicopter to deliver and set the tower pieces into place. Some of the sites were located on the Navajo Indian Reservation, which was a great opportunity to work with the local tribes and experience life out West.

It is this full service approach to business that has kept CES at the top of their industry for 26 years, making them the first one to call for two-way and wireless communications on the Gulf Coast.

For more information on how CES Team One can help with your radio and broadband needs, visit www.teamonecommunications.com or call (850) 432-7787.

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Pensacola Tractor & Equipment
A "new" day at New Holland

When most people find a company or product they like, they will keep going back for more. Todd King isn't quite like most people. For years, he purchased New Holland equipment from Pensacola Tractor & Equipment for his company (Pensacola Landscape and Lawn Care). When the opportunity arose in 2005 to purchase the New Holland dealership, he jumped at the chance.

"I was very familiar with the reliability and quality engineering of New Holland and how easy it was to maintain. For us, it wasn't as much a risk as it was a great opportunity," King explains. The "us" King refers to includes his wife Summer who has taken over the management of Pensacola Tractor & Equipment.

"We were thrilled to have Todd and Summer take over the dealership,"
says Rene' Jones who, for 10 years, has handled the company's financials. "They are very family oriented and treat all of us, including the customers, like family."

Jones is just one of the long-time employees at the dealership. Bobby Johnson and Eddie Hillman of the Parts Department can boast over 60 years experience, and Richard Walther in Sales has 25 years of experience with 10 of those years in Sales.

"This is the best possible combination of superior product and outstanding people who care about their customers," says Johnson. "With the Kings on board, we can offer our customers a terrific product, top quality service, and follow up."

How good is New Holland equipment? Ask Hillman while you are admiring his "Hat Trade-In" trophies. "When people take the time to research which is the best tractor for performance, up-time, and ease of self-maintenance, they will end up buying New Holland," says Hillman. "And when they do, we get them to trade in their old equipment hat for a brand new blue one!"

For more information about Pensacola Tractor & Equipment, call (850) 937-9693 or visit their web site at www.pensacolatractor.net.

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PremierGarage of the Florida Panhandle
The Premier experience

PremierGarage of the Florida Panhandle is a family-owned business that has been in the area since 2005. Owners Adam, Tyler, and Jami Searle specialize in taking the most disorganized, and sometimes ugliest room, in our homes and finding ways to do practical and beautiful makeovers for it.

"If you ask most wives about their homes, usually the one sore spot is the garage," says Jami. "Most people who live in this area are not getting the full use of that space for storage or for their cars. Glance in any open garage in your neighborhood, and you'll see what I'm talking about."

PremierGarage has all of the tools necessary to organize a runaway garage, including custom-built cabinets, wall-mounted grid systems, and overhead racks for almost any of your treasured possessions. "These are 'made to last' cabinets that are laminated on all sides and carry a lifetime warranty for as long as you own the home," adds Tyler.

The most overlooked area in the garage also happens to be the most overused: the floor. The Searles know that resurfacing a garage floor will not only give it an entirely new look, but it also increases the value of the home. PremierGarage's PremierOne Floor Coating is superior to traditional epoxy coatings, is UV-, abrasion- and chemical-resistant, environmentally friendly, durable, and easy to maintain. "We can provide contemporary colors or the look of granite. And what I really like about our floor coating systems is that they are biodegradable, non-flammable, and non-toxic to humans or pets," explains Tyler.

For more information on how to get the "Premier experience," call PremierGarage at (850) 651-6337 or visit their website at www.PremierGarage.com.

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ARC Gateway
Opening doors for the developmentally disabled

On New Year's Eve, Lori Ann Delgado received the call that all parents fear. Her daughter, who was eight months pregnant, had been in a car accident. She suffered a broken pelvis and a ruptured spleen; as a result, the baby suffered neurological damage. Today, Lori Ann plays an active role in raising her granddaughter, Anecia, and she credits ARC Gateway's Pearl Nelson Child Development Center for her progress. The pediatric speech, physical, and occupational therapists who worked with Anecia have helped her reach important developmental milestones such as taking her first steps and saying her first words. With their help, she is learning and growing every day.

Gail Pennington also depends on ARC Gateway to help her reach her goals and make her dreams come true. She just celebrated her 10th anniversary bagging groceries at Albertson's on 9th Avenue, and she became a first-time homeowner when she bought her own condo right before Christmas. Gail says that she is "very happy with life" now, but remembers when things were really hard for her. As a little girl, Gail was left at an institution that housed many other children with disabilities. She spent 20 years being shuffled through the system from one place to another without ever having a real home, and she remembers how great it felt to find ARC Gateway. Through their programs, she got a job in the community and the support she needed to live in her own apartment. "They help me do what I wanted to do with my life," she says, "and that's really important!"

For more than 50 years, ARC Gateway has been helping people like Anecia and Gail succeed. Today, they serve more than 900 people with developmental disabilities through programs that include:

• Children's Services -Pediatric Speech, Physical, and Occupational
  Therapy; Early intervention services and child care for typically developing children and children with developmental delays or disabilities
• Day Programs - Basic Education; Self Care Training; Computer Skills;
  Art Classes; Music Lessons; Physical Fitness
• Vocational Programs - Vocational training; assembly work and special
  projects for local businesses (done at ARC Gateway); job opportunities at ARC Gateway's plant nursery or manufacturing facility; help finding/succeeding at jobs in the community
• Life Enhancing Programs - Support for parents and families;
  recreational activities for children and adults; self advocacy support

In order to fund these programs, ARC Gateway relies on traditional nonprofit mainstays like donations, grants, and fundraisers, but they also generate revenue by selling products and providing services to the public. Through the programs they offer that employ people with developmental disabilities, they do contract work for local businesses by selling plant sleeves, survey stakes, and concrete products; and they run a full plant nursery that serves landscapers and homeowners in our community.

For more information about ARC Gateway, Spring is a great time to visit their plant nursery or take a tour. To request a tour, please call their administrative office, located at 3932 North 10th Avenue in Pensacola, at
(850) 434-2638.

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Muffler Masters
At your service...

John Armentrout may have gasoline pumping through his veins. His family's connection to the automotive industry dates back to his grandfather who was an automobile mechanic in the 1920s. In fact, his father ran a filling station and later started Trout's Auto Parts, and his brother Joe developed the original Muffler Masters in North Carolina. Armentrout himself has been in the automotive industry for 34 years. Needless to say, John Armentrout knows cars.

Muffler Masters started out as a muffler shop, but it has continued to add services over the years. Now, in addition to muffler and exhaust systems, they also handle all other automotive repairs, except complete engine rebuilds and transmissions, including manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedules along with routine oil changes.

What really has Armentrout excited is a brand new service he has added for his customers. "The idea came from a friend of mine who was going to be flying out of town and wanted me to work on his truck while he was gone. He asked me if I would drop him off at the airport, work on his truck while he was gone, and then pick him up when he got back. Since he had quite a few things to be worked on, I agreed to do it," he says.
"Afterward, it dawned on me that this was a great way for people to get their vehicles worked on and not be inconvenienced by being without it!"

That chance request from a friend is now a new "Concierge Service" for airport travelers from the Gulf Coast area. For traveling customers that need to have $130.00 or more of service, they simply make a list of all of the services that they would like Muffler Masters to perform on their vehicle while they are away. Then, they call Muffler Masters to schedule a time to have John or his wife, Mary, chauffeur them to the airport to drop them off. The service operates from 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. "Special arrangements can be made to have the vehicle waiting in the airport parking garage/ramp upon your return or to be picked up at the airport," adds Armentrout. "Estimates on the work, along with payments, can easily be handled via cell phone. Any vehicle left for service at Muffler Masters is insured and kept in a protected garage. As an extra bonus, our customer saves on the cost of parking at the airport."

"We like to think of ourselves as a 'one stop shop' for almost all of our customers' needs," adds Armentrout. "From brakes to air conditioning tune-ups, water pumps, starters, all belts including timing belts and even wiper blades, we can do it." They also custom build "dually" exhausts for trucks, or they can install diesel or gas performance kits to give a truck another 1-3 miles per gallon.

Next time you're heading out of town, drop your vehicle off at Muffler Masters and let them have it all fixed and ready for you upon your return. For more information on the Concierge Service or to schedule a drop off, call (850) 293-8089 to talk with John.

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Hallmark Elementary
Like no place on Earth

In 2004, the "No Child Left Behind" and FCAT programs designated Hallmark Elementary School in Pensacola as an "F" level school. When Dr. Sheree' Cagle Mauldin first saw her new assignment in 2005, the scene was one of utter chaos with students running around and loudly out of control. Hallmark was the school where first year teachers were sent because nobody else wanted to go there. After their first year, most of the young teachers quickly transferred out to other schools.

With 17 open positions to fill, Cagle Mauldin knew it would take a strong, dedicated team if the school was to reach its goals. Undaunted, she decided to not just fill the positions, but to do so with the best teachers available and to get them to stay for more than a year. She begged, borrowed, and stole the best teachers she could find and then talked State Farm Insurance into donating slightly used laptops to all the teachers who agreed to stay with Hallmark Elementary for the next three years.

During Cagle Mauldin's first week with the new faculty, they developed a plan that would make the difference in their children's lives, and it included good teaching, involved parents, and healthy students. To get the parents involved, they instituted a Report Card Night every nine weeks. On Report Card Night, the parents would pick up the report card, enjoy a dinner, and meet with their child's teachers to discuss the student's progress. If more than three days passed after Report Card Night without a call or note from the family, Cagle Mauldin made a personal phone call asking them to help her understand how their child's education was not foremost on the parent's agenda.

With good teachers reviewing curriculum to tailor it to their programs and with great parents who wanted to make a better life for their children, the focus switched to the most important and challenging aspect of learning-the child. When the faculty realized many of the students were coming to school hungry, tired, and cold, they initiated a backpack club to provide food. Next, they were able to recruit 13 active Partners in Education who continually donate clothing for students who do not have cold weather attire. The Partners also donate their time as mentors. Hallmark now has over 70 mentors and is working to ensure that all 260 students have one to help motivate, teach, and encourage them.

Did it work? In the first year, disciplinary referrals dropped from 586 to 50, and the students moved from an "F" school grade to three points away from a "C". Hallmark Elementary has the highest writing gains (91%) and the highest 3rd grade Math and Reading gains in the district.

Future plans include the announcement in February of a program that allows the students to give back to the community that has been so gracious to them. Their new daily motto to live by is "No Excuses.
Success Is The Only Option." Truly Hallmark Elementary is "On Their Way
To An A!"

For more information on Hallmark Elementary School, visit their website at http://old.escambia.k12.fl.us/schscnts/halle/welcomehallehome.html or to volunteer as a Partner in Education call (850) 595-6950.

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United Bank
Bringing "hometown" banking to Santa Rosa

The term "hometown banking" gets used quite a lot lately as big banks consolidate and want to portray a "small town" feeling for their customers. For United Bank, being a "hometown" bank isn't just a marketing message; it is how they have served small town businesses and communities since 1904. In fact, their motto is "Your Hometown Advantage."

United Bank came to Santa Rosa County in 2004 to service the needs of the farmers in the Jay area and now has three offices serving Santa Rosa County in Jay, Milton, and Pace. Combined, the United Bank Santa Rosa team has over 270 years of banking experience with most of those within Santa Rosa County.

When United Bank came to Santa Rosa, they established an Advisory Board of successful business people who live and work in Santa Rosa and the surrounding community. The Board members come from all walks of life and provide United Bank with valuable insight to help United Bank become the best bank in Santa Rosa County.

Here is their "hometown" Advisory Board:

• Cindy Anderson - Team Santa Rosa
• Jerry Davis - Farmer - Jay, FL
• Leon Esneul - Past Director of United Bank
• Lee Hoffman - Lillian Community Club, Lillian, AL
• Robert Hudson - CPA - Hudson, Hudson, Bell LLC - Atmore, AL
• Martha Kreamer - Minister - Church of the Advent - Lillian, AL
• John Rasmussen - Realtor - Century 21 Ameri South Realty - Pensacola, FL
• John Russell - Realtor - Danley Realty - Milton, FL
• Ricky Smith - Smith Tractor Company - Jay, FL
• Tom Smith - Attorney - Smith,
  Sauer & DeMaria - Pensacola, FL

United Bank, a $385 million financial institution, provides full-service banking, including checking and savings accounts, loans, certificates of deposit, business accounts, insurance services, investment services, mortgage services, and agri-finance services.

Stop by any of their locations in Santa Rosa County; visit www.unitedbank.com; or call (800) 432-7026 to see what services United Bank can offer you.

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Artel Gallery
Celebrating 15 years of pure art

Artel definitely isn't the standard gallery that comes to mind when you think of art. Rather, it conjures up visits to the eclectic galleries you find in New York City, Miami, or Washington, D.C. However you don't have to travel that far. Artel is located right here in downtown Pensacola.

"Most visitors who come to our gallery for the first time are rather surprised at what they find," said Eloise Lautier de Varona, President of Artel. "And that is intentional. Artel is a non-profit corporation established to educate the public about art in its purest form. We don't accept work based on its commercial or marketable value, but for art expression that is thought provoking."

Artel's mission is to provide a continuous forum for quality experimental and contemporary art exhibitions and programs, dedicated to the enrichment and education of the community. Putting that mission into action, the gallery hosts the annual Cinco Banderas competition, school competitions like the just-completed Mardi Gras mask exhibit, and the Pyramid exhibit for developmentally challenged adults to be held in August of 2008.

Artel is the only non-profit, all-volunteer experimental art gallery serving Northwest Florida. They welcome volunteers who can spare three hours once every month or so to sit at the gallery or assist with the opening receptions for each new show. If you are interested in volunteering, call Eloise at (850) 432-3080 for more information.

The gallery, located at 505 S. Adams Street, is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. For the calendar of upcoming shows or for more information about Artel Gallery, visit their web site at www.artelgallery.org or call (850) 432-3080.

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Junior Achievement of Northwest Florida
Are you a Junior Achievement alumnus?

As we approach our 50th year in Northwest Florida, Junior Achievement is looking for former students who are willing to submit their JA story. The testimonial may include what the JA program meant to you and perhaps even how it changed your life. It can be detailed or very brief, explaining how JA affected your career choice. You may have had a volunteer come to your elementary school class and teach you the basics about your community; you learned more about economics and ethics in high school; or perhaps you made a product and ran your own company after school.

Junior Achievement has been recognized worldwide as a leader in supplementing our youth's educational process by inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. JA's unique approach integrates program material presented by a volunteer in the classroom. This non-profit organization is the successful bridge between education and business."Having JA in my classroom allowed me to understand the benefits of having good overall people skills. The skills I learned in JA have helped me get two jobs," said Samuel Early. "I was successful in getting my first job because of the JA course," said Wilmer McCants; both are seniors at West Florida High School for Advanced Technology.

Carl Leiterman, Director of Workforce Education in the Escambia County School District and a JA alumnus said, "The school district's long-term successful partnership with Junior Achievement in bringing 'real world'
activities into our classrooms has been an invaluable service for our students."

Please contact Junior Achievement of Northwest Florida if you would like to volunteer in a classroom in Escambia or Santa Rosa Counties, provide your written testimony, or make a financial contribution. JA's Executive Director, Frances Yeo, can be reached at 1010 N 12th Avenue in Pensacola; via telephone at (850) 477-1420 or (850) 477-2820; via e-mail at nwflja@bellsouth.net; or on the web at www.nwf-ja.org.

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Cox Business
Why do a with Cox?

It's very simple; Cox employees live and work in the communities that they serve. This means that when you do business with Cox, you can be assured that whether you are speaking with a Sales Representative, a Customer Support Specialist, a Service Technician, or part of the Management Team, the first person that you speak with lives and works in this community. Cox understands the needs of Cox customers because you are also their friends and neighbors. Because Cox employees interact with you daily, they have a significant interest in ensuring that their services are reliable and fairly priced and that they meet the communications and entertainment expectations of you, their valued customers. It appears that their customers recognize this.

Cox Business' 2007 Customer Satisfaction Survey results indicate that 89.2% of their customers are satisfied with Cox as their preferred provider for the services that they offer in this community. Needless to say, the people at Cox are very proud of these results because they understand that it takes much more than a mere provider to achieve this level of customer satisfaction. Achieving these kinds of results requires that they actively partner with their customers in order to fully understand their needs and concerns. This unique commitment is something that Cox works to develop and maintain with their customers each and every day, and it begins with all of their employees.

Many companies talk about customer satisfaction, but for Cox employees, it's a demonstrated personal commitment to customer satisfaction that sets them apart from others. Know that when you choose Cox as your preferred phone, high speed Internet, and video services provider, they will dedicate every resource at their disposal to ensure that you have a positive experience. Over the years, this precept has been engrained in their employees and has become a part of their DNA.

Some years ago, Cox entered this community as a cable TV video service provider. Today, in addition to the residential products and services that they offer, Cox Business also provides commercial feature-rich telephone service; Cox Digital Trunk T-1/PRI; fast and reliable Cox Business Internet; business digital video packages; Metro Ethernet Fiber service; and much more. For those business owners that are concerned about business continuity in the aftermath of a natural disaster, Cox now offers cost effective collocation in a Cox hardened facility. The benefits of collocation with Cox include:

• Presence in a building rated to withstand Cat3 winds
• Equipment housing in a temperature-controlled environment with locking racks
• Convenient and secure 24 X 7 card key access
• Uninterrupted power supply provided with UPS, generator, and battery back up to commercial power
• A fire suppression system designed to extinguish fire without damaging sensitive electronics by removing
  heat energy, not oxygen. This extinguishes fires quickly through a combination of chemical interaction and physical heat removal.
• Presence in a building 40 feet above sea level with a very low risk for flooding

For more information about Cox Business, call (866) 272-5777, or visit them online at www.coxbusiness.com.

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Fiesta Barbershop Chorus
Congratulations on your 50th anniversary!

"Barbershop quartet singing is four guys tasting the holy essence of four individual mechanisms coming into complete agreement." - Meredith Wilson (Author & Composer of the "Music Man")

Men who sing barbershop music come from all walks of life; laborers, mechanics, doctors, engineers, teachers, preachers, etc., and they share the common bonds of a love for music and their fellow man.

The Fiesta Barbershop Chorus of Pensacola began in 1958 and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Over the years, the Chorus has seen its share of great singers and great individuals to share their singing passion with. Barbershop singing is for all ages; the current chorus has a membership age range of 18 to 88.

Each year, the Fiesta Barbershop Chorus performs a number of shows for residents of assisted living and retirement homes, filling in for church choirs, and Evenings in Olde Seville Square as well as a Christmas and an Annual Show. They actively raise money from their performances to donate to local charities.

This year's Annual Show will be called Singing Thru the Years - An Evening of Music in that "Old Barbershop Style". It will be held on Saturday, May 3rd 7:00 PM at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts on the University of West Florida's campus. Tickets will be $15.00-$20.00. For more information on the show or to come join this great fellowship of singers, call (850) 587-4087.

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Children's Services Center
Helping families work

A young mother squeals in delight, "I got the job! I got the job!" The joy, however, quickly turns to concern. "What am I going to do with my son while I work? There are pages of child care places in the phonebook, but how do I know which one is the right choice?" Situations like this happen every day in Escambia County, but there is help.

In 1972, Children's Services Center (CSC) was founded by a small group of concerned citizens who identified families' urgent need for assistance with child care. Children's Services Center's mission is ensuring that quality early education and child care, including family services, are accessible to the communities they serve.

Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R), is particularly important to working families in the area. Through funding from the Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County, CCR&R services are available to any parent in Escambia County. These services take the guesswork out of finding child care and provide free education, support, and information to parents looking for a quality child care setting. A CCR&R specialist teaches parents the various types of child care programs available, what to look for when visiting those programs, and other steps they can take to feel confident about their child care choices.

How can CCR&R services help local businesses? Quality child care matters to the stability of the workforce of local businesses in the community. CSC provides CCR&R services onsite to interested employers. A qualified specialist will come to your place of business and work with your employees to find reliable child care for their children. When employees have access to reliable and convenient child care, businesses
will:

• Attract and retain better employees while expanding your hiring pool
• Reduce employee absenteeism and tardiness
• Improve workplace morale

Child care matters to everyone in our community. If you are a parent or an employer and care about providing quality child care for children, call Children's Services Center at (850) 595-5915 or visit www.childrensservicescenter.org for more information.

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Food World-Senior Bowl
Charitable partnership continues to impact area charities

Thanks to the Food World - Senior Bowl Charitable Partnership, the northern Gulf Coast is a better place to live.

Since its inception, the Partnership has created an amazing legacy of charitable giving, one that has succeeded in donating over $4.2 million to Gulf Coast charities.

The Food World - Senior Bowl Charitable Partnership's mission is to raise funds for charities whose services, activities, or programs benefit youth and youth-related activities along the Gulf Coast.

The fulfillment of a five-year pledge to the USA Children's and Women's Hospital is the latest charitable highlight in the Partnership's longtime support of the hospital, which has resulted in over $500,000 in donations used for various projects at the facility.

In addition to USA Children's and Women's Hospital, 15 other charitable agencies along the Gulf Coast have received proceeds from the Partnership in 2007, including major donations that were made to Sacred Heart Children's Hospital in Pensacola, FL; Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, AL; and Mercy Medical in Daphne, AL.

Other Gulf Coast charitable agencies who received funds from the Partnership include the Mobile County Special Olympics; Alabama School for the Sensory Impaired; Child Advocacy Center; Mobile Association for the Blind; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; the Mobile Symphony, Ballet, and Opera; Mobile YMCA; and the Pensacola Boys and Girls Clubs.

In addition to the Charitable Partnership, Food World also served as the title sponsor of the Senior Bowl Charity Run as well as several other special events held during the year, including the Senior Bowl Sailing Regatta, the Fan Frenzy, and the Tailgate Party.

For more information about the Senior Bowl organization, please visit www.seniorbowl.com or call
(251) 438-2276.

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SEASTARS Aquatics, Inc.
Supporting Education and Athletic Skills Through Amateur and Recreational Swimming

In May 2004, Coaches Chaz and Robin Heller designed and brought SEASTARS Aquatics, Inc. to Pensacola, Florida. SEASTARS Aquatics Swim Team is dedicated to promoting and fostering the success and growth of children who are economically, physically, or mentally challenged by providing individualized attention as part of a structured competitive swim team program. SEASTARS offers two half-hour swim lessons to children with special needs, and it offers practices to children who qualify for free/reduced lunch five days a week.

The Hellers saw the importance of developing successful student athletes through the sport of swimming. Not only does swimming have many health benefits, but it also instills leadership, time management, responsibility, and confidence in children and adolescents.

The main issue with the population the Heller's are trying to reach is that swimming is very expensive, and to be part of a year-round team can cost parents up to $2,000 annually. The Hellers decided to establish a program that was completely free to all its participants. All costs are covered for swimmers, including swimsuits, goggles, out-of-town meets, USA Swimming Insurance Coverage, etc. SEASTARS is the only swim team of its kind in the United States, making swimming a free sport for all children to utilize its benefits.

Through the incentive program, swimmers are awarded points for personal goals, academics, attendance, sportsman-like conduct, and monthly community service hours. This system is converted to a token economy, and the swimmers can purchase any equipment/uniforms needed throughout their swimming career. Annually, swimmers are given a mock checkbook and are taught proper money management. Not only do SEASTARS'
swimmers receive top-notch coaching in swimming, but they also learn life skills and personal development.

For more information on SEASTARS Aquatics, Inc., visit the website at www.seastarsaquatics.org. To make a donation or to inquire about the program, contact Coach Chaz at (850) 418-0644 or Coach Robin at
(850) 418-0645.

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