Category: Business

  • Know Your Pro: Framer Jacks

    Know Your Pro: Framer Jacks

    Framer Jacks' Addition To George's At Alys BeachWhat began as a niche project building custom greenhouses and barns on a midwestern vineyard has since blossomed into a custom framing company that emphasizes craftsmanship. As the construction industry has evolved to focus on prefabricated processes, the art, mystery, and love of the carpenter’s craft was seemingly lost along the way; although perhaps not forever. In 2018, Framer Jacks, a family-owned company, was officially named and began breathing life into the local building industry.

    While there are many other companies that offer similar services, few have been able to capture the art of the build like the team at Framer Jacks. Consequently, Framer Jacks has emerged as one of the leading framing and siding teams throughout Pensacola, Destin, Scenic Highway 30A and extending into Panama City Beach. With the vision and skill to bring dreams into reality, no project is too big or too small for the Framer Jacks team.

    As we all know, our strip of the Emerald Coast is exploding with construction right now. With housing prices continually rising, the need to maximize living spaces for added value has become a priority to homeowners, while builders struggle to keep up with demand for new homes. The desire to create something unique and beyond even the highest of expectations is what fuels the team at Framer Jacks. This company insists on combining only the best of modern structural building sciences while preserving the decorative carpentry craft of old.

    Framer Jacks is a group of energetic professionals specializing in new residential framing, custom additions, timber structures, outdoor living spaces, modern Hardie siding, coastal wood siding, and decorative exterior trim. However, the growth of this company won’t stop there. Having recently broken ground on their own facility, Framer Jacks is excited to introduce their very own product line to the Florida panhandle. This product line will showcase timber frame structures, pavilion packages, and full exterior trim packages while also offering custom carpentry components such as vented louvers, timber brackets, and decorative corbels.

    Framer Jacks focuses on quality, artisanal craftsmanship one unique project at a time. Whether it be a simple pavilion by the pool, a full exterior remodel with intricate details, or a brand new custom home, Framer Jacks’ expertly trained carpentry professionals will be happy to schedule a consultation. For more information call Framer Jacks at (850) 603-3356, email construct@framerjacks.com, check out their website at www.framerjacks.com, or follow them on Instagram @framerjacks.

  • Sun Power: Sundew Solar Leads the Way

    Sun Power: Sundew Solar Leads the Way

    By Aric Bowen

    Aric SundewSince opening its doors in January of this year, Sundew Solar has been successful in reaching countless Bay County residents to spread the word about the importance of going solar. With so many calls fielded regarding questions about how the solar installation process works, Sundew wanted to outline what consumers can expect from the very beginning when the project is being quoted to the very end after the solar has been installed.

    Phase One: Quoting/Design
    In phase one, Sundew consults with homeowners to provide answers to an array of questions they may have and to determine their expectations. Projects range from standard grid-tied solar energy system installations to custom designed structures that will support the panels, including pool enclosures and greenhouses. From there, they request a recent power bill so they can evaluate their average power usage in order to inform homeowners how much money they could potentially save by switching from electric to solar power.

    After the initial consultation, Sundew then provides a custom quote detailing the amount of energy and money that could be saved over a number of years with an itemized breakdown of the pricing for the solar energy system and installation.

    Phase Two: Engineering/Design
    Once the quote is signed, the project is sent off to a licensed electrical engineer for the custom designed solar energy system and, in the case of a project that includes a structure, a custom set of engineered plans designed for the building where the panels will be installed. Homeowners are given the opportunity to approve the design of the structure before the plans are finalized. All electrical and structural plans are designed to meet the most current Florida Building Code.

    Phase Three: Installation
    After receiving the final building plans, the project will be submitted to the local building department for permitting. Sundew Solar has partnered exclusively with locally owned and operated construction company, Guyson Construction, for all of its solar installation and construction projects. Guyson Construction has been serving Bay County since 2002 (19 years), has a five-star rating with the Better Business Bureau, and has been a member of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce since 2013. During all installation and construction projects, both Guyson and Sundew ensure that there are designated safety personnel on site at all times.

    Phase Four: Completion/Activation
    Upon passing final inspection, Sundew schedules the utility company to install the new meter and turn on the system. Sundew then performs tests to ensure that all components are working. Clients are able to download an app to their mobile phones that allows them to track the production of the solar panels in real-time.

    For questions, quotes, or general information on solar panel installation, please contact Aric Bowen with Sundew Solar at (850) 832-0325. Sundew Solar is a member of both the Panama City Beach and Bay County Chamber of Commerce.

  • Why Is Inflation Rising Yet Treasury Yields Are Not?

    Why Is Inflation Rising Yet Treasury Yields Are Not?

    Maurice StouseBy Maurice Stouse, Financial Advisor and Branch Manager

    The latest reads on inflation have it running at levels not seen in over three decades—CPI at 5.4%, PPI at 7.2% and PCE at 3.9%. One report after another sends the signal that inflation is taking hold. Many economists and even the Federal Reserve (as well as the White House) strongly suggest that this is transitory. That it is the result of the economic reopening and the supply chain disruption. That supply chain disruption, as we understand it now, includes the labor supply. The U.S. seems to be facing a labor shortage in some industries. That has led to wage inflation as well. Wage inflation is usually the last thing to follow price inflation. As we have mentioned before, we feel present-day inflation is the result of the stimulus – the creation of additional dollars by the Federal Reserve. This is also known as monetary inflation.

    With inflation and the economy “running hot,” would it not seem to follow that it would 1) put pressure on the value of the dollar (downward) and 2) put pressure on bond yields (upward) and mainly Treasury bond yields? The strange phenomenon occurring, however, is that inflation is rising, yet bond yields are declining. To many that does not seem to make sense. The financial media are full of thoughts as to why this might be occurring. Here are a few thoughts for you.

    CNBC recently reported that some (unnamed sources) say that investors and institutions have locked in the significant gains they have seen this year and are selling their stocks and parking those gains and funds into Treasuries. Other reports point to de-risking by investors in anticipation of economic slowdowns due to the spread of the coronavirus. We have been researching other periods of high debt relative to GDP. One thing we take note of is the post WW2 period where the U.S.’ debt to GDP ratio was 108%. A rate many would argue was not sustainable. What happened over the next decade, for several reasons, was that the debt to GDP ratio shrank to 40%. The U.S. inflated its way out of that high debt ratio. In other words, the economic growth far outpaced the debt.

    That begs the question: Is that potentially happening again? In other words, is one of the ends in mind is to inflate the country out of the high debt ratio we are currently in? Actions by the Fed – and words from The White House – give us reason to consider that the Fed’s easy monetary policy is likely to continue, and that inflation is real and not transitory. Inflation ran at under 2% for the past generation and a half and now could be running at 50 – 100% higher than that for the foreseeable future. We figure that to make inflation 3-5% over the next few years.

    What this means to investors is to look at their holdings in terms of not only risk, time frame and objective, but also in terms of real return. Real return is the rate of return left after the rate of inflation. Current CPI rates would mean an investment returning 5% has a real return of -.4%. That means shrinking vs. growing purchasing power. Higher rates of inflation typically bring higher rates in yields and savers and income investors have yet to see that. That is so because there are more buyers than sellers for bonds, mainly Treasury bonds. The near-term impact (with the caveat that corrections could literally happen any hour of any given trading day) could mean that, along with the tremendous amount of liquidity out there, stocks, real estate and commodities have greater upside potential than downside risk given the strength of the economic recovery and the increased earnings corporations are experiencing. You need to go a step further with stocks and focus on those that are inflation resistant or inflation resilient. Those would be the value stocks and funds like cyclicals, industrials, financials and the like. Real estate could mean buying land, dwellings or perhaps utilizing REITs in the stock market.

    Such scenarios have not always favored growth-oriented investments such as technology stocks. Do take note that over the most recent short-term technology has had a strong recovery when considering the 2Q of this year. Investors do not want to ignore the innovation and profitability that technology can bring. We think investors should add to or begin building value-oriented holdings, but not necessarily rotate out of growth-oriented holdings.

    Should rates resume their rise again (The U.S. Treasury 10-year note was at 1.77% in March and is at 1.29% at this writing), we believe, based upon historical reactions, that rates would need to rise to 2.75% for investors to begin to see the negative long-term effects that would have on equities (stocks). The 10-year U.S. Treasury note is an often turned to barometer for the stock market as well as for mortgage rates. The 30-year is more associated with inflation.

    This, of course, addresses investments as a class vs. looking at certain sectors or segments of the market. We still believe in the words Warren Buffet spoke when he urged investors to focus on buying great businesses vs. just buying investments. We would add to that to be a buy and hold investor until your objectives, risk tolerance and time frame change.
    The First Wealth Management is located at First Florida Bank, a division of the First, A National Banking Association, 2000 98 Palms Blvd., Destin, FL 32541. Branch offices in Niceville, Mary Esther, Miramar Beach, Freeport and Panama City. Phone 850.654.8124.
    Raymond James advisors do not offer tax advice. Please see your tax professionals. Email: Maurice.stouse@raymondjames.com. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC, and are not insured by bank insurance, the FDIC, or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the bank, are not guaranteed by the bank, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. Investment Advisory Services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.

    The First Wealth Management First Florida Bank, and The First, A National Banking Association are not registered broker/dealers and are independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

    Views expressed are the current opinion of the author, not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James, and are subject to change without notice. Information provided is general in nature and is not a complete statement of all information necessary for making an investment decision and is not a recommendation or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

    Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Investors should consult their investment professional prior to making an investment decision.

    Investing in oil involves special risks, including the potential adverse effects of state and federal regulation and may not be suitable for all investors.

    Treasury Inflation Protection Securities, or TIPS, adjust the invested principal base by the CPI-U at a semiannual rate. Rate of inflation is based on the CPI-U, which has a three-month lag. Investing within specific sectors, or in small and mid-size companies, involves unique, additional risks. Those risks include limited diversification, regulatory risks, limited liquidity, and lack of operating history.

    There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and fixed income prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, fixed income prices fall and when interest rates fall, fixed income prices rise.

    Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of mutual funds before investing. The prospectus and summary prospectus contain this and other information about mutual funds. The prospectus and summary prospectus are available from your financial advisor and should be read carefully before investing.

  • PCB Chamber Spotlight: Introducing Carroll Coastal Contracting, LLC

    PCB Chamber Spotlight: Introducing Carroll Coastal Contracting, LLC

    Two opposites are building a business while painting a love story to take them down the final third. Thirty years ago, Cynthia Jordan graduated from Florida State University, but it was only recently that she returned to Florida to help build and design a unique home in Inlet Beach.

    Carroll CoastalAbout two years ago, she met a crazy Canadian, Fred Carroll, at church in West Virginia. They were total opposites in many respects, but very similar in their creative instincts. She also noticed that this crazy Canadian had a flair and enthusiasm with his paint brush, sort of an old school and classic style painter. Now, the two have teamed up to form Carroll Coastal Contracting, LLC in the Florida Panhandle.

    Fred is not your normal painter – it’s what Cynthia calls, “boutique,” artisan painting.
    They’re not a production paint company that paints rows of houses, they are custom painters. At Carroll Coastal Contracting, LLC, every wall is unique, all the drywall is different, and painting is an ART. Fred loves to take something and make it look extraordinary. The combination couldn’t be better, as Cynthia has an eclectic vintage design style with a passion for everything from coastal farmhouse to shabby chic. She designs furniture and Fred builds it, which makes for a winning partnership. They like to explore rural areas looking for wood and natural materials to repurpose for one-of-a-kind beds, coffee tables or consoles. Nothing is more exciting than finding an old barn full of wood and rusty nails. They love to mix and match new and old in homes. Have an old shed you want to tear down? Give them a call, it could become tomorrow’s heirloom. They also do barter too – they’ll provide the labor in exchange for old wood.

    Today’s home owners are looking for more than grandma’s gray walls, they want originality and something special. We love to capture the homeowner’s personality and creativity. Give Carroll Coastal Contracting LLC your blank slate and we can show you how to make your home you!

    For more information, call Cynthia at (850) 730-7460

  • Are you a New Bay County Resident?

    Are you a New Bay County Resident?

    Let Us Help You Make the Most of Your Tax Office Visit

    Over this past year, we’ve experienced a greater number of out-of-state residents choosing to call Bay County home. If you have recently moved to Bay County from a different area of the country, we want to welcome you to our beautiful county and offer assistance as you transition to becoming a Florida resident. Here are some things you need to know before visiting our office to obtain your Florida Driver License/Identification Card or registering your vehicles.

    Make sure you have the required documents to complete your transactions.

    To register your out-of-state vehicles in Florida, please bring the following:
    • Out-of-State Title and Registration. If the vehicle has a lien on it, please have your lienholder information available (Name, Address, Phone Number, Fax Number) as we will have to send a request to the lienholder before we can title and register the vehicle in Florida.
    • All vehicle owners on title should be present with photo identification. If one of the owners cannot be present, a Power of Attorney should be completed for that individual.
    • Proof of Florida Insurance on the vehicle
    • Bring the vehicle with you. A VIN inspection will need to be done at our office.
    • Driver License/ ID Card: Florida is a Real ID State, which requires to provide specific documents to prove their identity when applying for a driver license or identification card.
    • State Certified Birth Certificate or Valid U.S. Passport
    • Two pieces of mail with your current name and current address
    • Social Security Card or number
    • If your name has changed since birth, please bring proof of every legal name change document (certified marriage license, court order, etc.).
    Maximize Your Time, Schedule An Appointment

    A New Resident Appointment can be set up at BayTaxCollector.com. Scheduling an appointment provides us the ability to take care of driver licenses and vehicle registrations for new residents in one visit.

    New Resident transactions are a bit lengthier than a standard driver license renewal or vehicle registration renewal, please be patient with our team. Our goal is to get you served in a timely manner and to minimize your visits to our office.

    Did You Purchase Property? File for Homestead.
    If you have purchased property in Florida and will be claiming it as your homestead, don’t forget to apply for homestead exemption with the Property Appraiser’s Office. The deadline to qualify for homestead exemption for 2021 property taxes has already passed, but you can apply for 2022. You can learn more about Homestead Exemption at www.baypa.net or contact the Property Appraiser’s Beach Office at (850) 248-8470.

    More information can be found online at BayTaxCollector.com.

  • Know Your Local Pro: MK Weber Engineering

    Know Your Local Pro: MK Weber Engineering

    Mk Weber Redbg 01Nearly three years after Hurricane Michael devastated the Panhandle, fallen trees, tarped roofs, and damaged homes are still a reality for many Bay County residents. MK Weber Structural Engineering, a locally owned and operated company, made its mark on the community after the storm event by being the go-to engineering firm for residential structural inspections and reports for hurricane-damaged homes and businesses. MK Weber continues to receive requests for damage evaluations on residential houses that insurance companies have yet to settle with homeowners. But before Hurricane Michael, MK Weber got its start by mostly providing residential drafting services for Bay and surrounding counties; and they want these communities to know that they are still actively drawing.

    Mk Mike EditedOriginally from Michigan, Michael Weber, owner and senior engineer, earned an Associate’s Degree in Art in Architectural Design and ACAD before earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineer with a focus on Construction Management & Structural Design. In 2014, he opened MK Weber Engineering in an effort to provide structural engineering and drafting services to the rapidly growing community. Seven years later, MK Weber employs two full-time licensed professional engineers, one full-time structural engineer, three full-time senior draftsmen, four full-time draftsmen, one part-time project manager, and an office manager. The company has performed over one thousand structural inspections and has designed and engineered over three thousand structures, all while developing an excellent working relationship with local city and building officials.

    Mk Joe Edited Mk Dewayne Edited Mk Robert EditedMK Weber’s draftsmen have a passion for seeing a client’s concepts take form and come to life, while the engineers ensure that the structures are designed practically without compromising the client’s aesthetic desires. With 3D rendering services available, future homeowners have the ability to see their final design with detailing down to the landscape and shadowing as the sun sets and rises over the home. Whether it’s a small porch addition, a residential house, or a commercial building, the MK Weber team takes care to work with the client every step of the way, ensuring a final product is something that not only the client is proud of, but that the firm is proud of as well.

    Because of the community’s continued and unequivocal support, MK Weber is set to open a new location in Baldwin County, Alabama; a rapidly growing area just one hour shy of Pensacola that has seen residential construction triple in the last year. Expansion of its structural and design services means lending a hand to more areas in need of construction plans and structural inspections, including neighboring counties such as Mobile, Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Jackson County, Mississippi. In addition to its new office location, MK Weber is also licensed to perform engineering work in Louisiana, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Wyoming, Minnesota, and Delaware. They are Better Business Bureau accredited, Chamber of Commerce members, and members of BBIA. Visit www.mkweber.com for more information about the services MK Weber provides and to receive a quote for house plans or commercial building.

  • Key Numbers We Are Watching

    Key Numbers We Are Watching

    Maurice StouseBy Maurice Stouse, Financial Advisor and Branch Manager

    While the economy rebounds and fears of inflation abound, we continue to watch those indicators we believe will help us and our clients make well informed decisions as to the direction and allocation of their investments. We do not try to predict markets, but rather strive to be ready vs. trying to be right. With that in mind here are some key data that we track daily as we monitor and help our clients manage their portfolios:

    Earnings: These are some of the strongest earnings U.S. companies have seen in almost 40 years. To put that in contrast, in 2019 the earnings of the S&P 500 was $162. In 2020, during the middle of the pandemic, that shrank to $142. Look at 2021: Current run rates are $200. Fidelity Investments, in a recent investment professional webinar shared those S&P earnings for 2021 might even hit $225.

    Stock prices are mostly based upon earnings. This might help explain the return of the market year to date and over the past year.

    Free Cash Flow: That is money that a company has left after paying its bills, debts, its dividends, and other things. Free Cash Flow for many sectors (Energy in particular) is reaching significant highs.

    Market Corrections: Corrections occur in the stock market, the bond market, the real estate market, and the commodity markets. We are aware and want our clients to be reminded that this can always be a possibility. One such risk is on the rise: Should the Fed wish to start tightening by decreasing its monthly asset purchases of over $120 billion dollars. That is what has been called tapering and, in the past, the markets have experienced the so called “taper tantrum” where most asset classes experienced a sell off when the Fed makes shifts like this.

    Inflation: Like many advisors, we watch these number closely. We have some specifics to share with you beyond the stated CPI and PPI numbers. CPI, the Consumer Price Index, was reported this past Thursday for the month of May. It showed the year over year inflation rate at 5%. PPI (the Producers Price Index) was reported this past week and came in at 6.60% – May 2020 to May 2021. Both numbers show inflation potentially running at twice of what is known as “The Expected Inflation Rate.” That rate is the rate at which most institutional investors expect as the actual long-term rate of inflation. That number is available daily. However, it needs to be computed by looking at two factors: a) the U.S. Treasury 10-year note yield and b) the U.S. Treasury 10-Year Inflation Protected Notes Spread. The difference between the two is the expected inflation rate. That is the result of the pricing that the market puts on those Treasuries based upon what they think the inflation figure really is.

    Note: The Federal Reserve more closely watches the movement in an index called the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index according to Fidelity Institutional, in its June 2021 report on Fixed Income. The PCE is published by the U.S. Department of Commerce. That next reading will be June 25. For now, that number is 3.1% for April which increased substantially from March when it stood at 1.9%.

    At this writing, the 10-year U.S. Treasury was yielding 1.45% and the U.S. Treasury 10-Year TIP Spread was -.985%. So, the difference between the two is 2.435%. That is the rate the markets expect the true rate of inflation to be. That is obviously off the stated rate of the CPI and even the PCE. Why might this be so?

    Many economists, investors and the Federal Reserve think the current CPI and perhaps the PCE are transitory in nature – the result of the economy rebounding from the lows realized just one year ago in the middle of the pandemic. They also point out that the CPI numbers are distorted by just a few things: Used cars, airline prices, gasoline and food. Add to that the numerous gaps in supply as a lot of manufacturing capacity had been reduced or shuddered during the pandemic.

    “2.35%. That is the rate the markets expect the true rate of inflation to be.”

    As a result, the markets have shrugged off the potentially ominous CPI numbers believing that the real inflation picture is the expected rate. The market is signaling that there are not too many dollars chasing too few goods which is the classic definition of inflation. We are in a different spot from this. We think that monetary inflation – the growth of the money supply as having much greater impact than temporary supply gaps.

    There are several things to consider: 1) The Federal Reserve’s balance sheet sits at $7.95 trillion dollars. That is up from $4.16 trillion dollars at the start of the pandemic. The balance sheet was $2.2 trillion dollars in November of 2008 during the Great Recession. Just two months before that it was at $925 billion dollars. In other words, the Fed’s balance sheet has almost doubled in the past year and is up tenfold since just prior to the Great Recession. The balance sheet is simply the amount of money the Federal Reserve has injected into the financial system by way of buying bonds on the open market When they buy bonds, they use newly produced U.S. dollars to buy those, thus increasing the supply of money. That means a tremendous amount of liquidity. It is liquidity that supports and raises the prices of assets be they stocks, bonds, real estate, or the cost of borrowing and so on. 2) Federal deficit spending. We are approaching a record deficit of $4 trillion dollars. The U.S. government has added to supporting the economy by way of its own spending on stimulus and other programs. That means even more money into the system. 3) Labor shortages – as the economy continues to emerge and grow the number of job openings has caught up with the number of unemployed workers yet employers across the country from restaurants to construction cannot hire the labor to meet the increase in demand. 4) according to Fidelity Institutional, liquid savings are now at $4 trillion dollars, up substantially. Also, the U.S. savings rate is over 14.1% according to Tradingeconomics.com and it remains high (it was less than 10% at the start of the pandemic). You might see that as a lot of money on the sidelines, which is waiting to be spent on dining out, traveling, vacations, leisure and other things as the economy reopens.

    Liquidity is the opposite of constrained credit. During the Great Depression, and what brought about the Great Recession can in part be blamed on the lack of liquidity and the lack of credit. That makes demand go off the proverbial cliff, prices deflate, and a recession or depression ensues. Many market pundits think once the supply imbalances are worked through that we will return to continued deflation. Their reasoning is not because of a lack of credit or liquidity but rather due to technology and a shrinking population. They think this time it is different. We do not agree.

    The demand for housing has been unprecedented. This is more a result of the liquidity that is out there versus demand, in our opinion. If the Fed balance sheet had not doubled or the deficit spending not occurring, housing and other asset prices would not be supported at current levels. We think the only thing that will cause the housing market to cool, or even slowdown will be the reduction in Federal Reserve monetary injections.

    So, what are the takeaways for clients? First, to review strategies and allocations and look to see if you have the diversification, you need or want should you be of the same belief that monetary inflation will indeed impact the expected inflation rate. There are several strategies to consider where inflation resilient or inflation resistant investment are concerned. Equity (stock) investments in Energy, Financials, Materials, Industrials, Commodities and Real Estate. Investments into small and medium sized companies (or funds that invest into those) is advisable as well. Investing in emerging and developed foreign stocks (or funds) for a portion of your allocation as well.

    Second, review fixed income holdings. For those that have investment grade corporate or long-term maturities? You may consider adding short term inflation protected bonds, like TIPS to your portfolio.

    Third, consider the real rate of return on your investments. That is the return you are getting less a) the expected inflation rate and b) the nominal (stated) inflation rate. As an example, if you have a bond paying 3%, its real return would be .565% after the expected rate of inflation or -2% with the nominal or stated rate of inflation. The same can be said for stocks, or growth investments and real estate. Look at your return and subtract out both inflation rates and make any needed adjustments accordingly.

    When managing your investments and financial affairs we encourage investors to review and think about what changes they need or want and then to make those over time, not necessarily overnight. At The First Wealth Management and Raymond James, our focus is on actively monitoring and over actively managing our clients’ investments. We appreciate the old saying that at first you concentrate to build wealth and then you diversify to preserve it.

    The First Wealth Management is located at First Florida Bank, a division of the First, A National Banking Association, 2000 98 Palms Blvd, Destin, Fla. 32541 with branch offices in Niceville, Mary Esther, Miramar Beach, Freeport and Panama City. Phone 850.654.8124.
    Raymond James advisors do not offer tax advice. Please see your tax professionals. Email: Maurice.stouse@raymondjames.com. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC, and are not insured by bank insurance, the FDIC, or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the bank, are not guaranteed by the bank, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. Investment Advisory Services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.

    The First Wealth Management First Florida Bank, and The First, A National Banking Association are not registered broker/dealers and are independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

    Views expressed are the current opinion of the author, not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James, and are subject to change without notice. Information provided is general in nature and is not a complete statement of all information necessary for making an investment decision and is not a recommendation or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

    Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Investors should consult their investment professional prior to making an investment decision.

    Investing within specific sectors, or in small and mid-size companies, involves unique, additional risks. Those risks include limited diversification, regulatory risks, limited liquidity, and lack of operating history.

    There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and fixed income prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, fixed income prices fall and when interest rates fall, fixed income prices rise.

    Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of mutual funds before investing. The prospectus and summary prospectus contains this and other information about mutual funds. The prospectus and summary prospectus is available from your financial advisor and should be read carefully before investing.

  • Introducing: Balloon Art Events 30A

    Introducing: Balloon Art Events 30A

    Bae1Megan Manchester is the owner of Balloon Art Events 30A (BAE 30A), a balloon décor company, based out of Panama City and its surrounding areas: Panama City Beach, 30A and Destin. Although not from the Panama City area herself, Megan’s husband, Justin Manchester, is a native and is jumping in to help her as she grows this amazing company. Making connections, designing beautiful and entertaining balloon décor, and ensuring that the clients’ needs are met are some of the keys to growing her business and that is exactly what she is doing!

    Megan grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and always enjoyed planning events. She got into the event industry planning meetings and corporate events in 2013 and hasn’t stopped since! Understanding clients’ needs and helping them develop their visions is her specialty and she has now brought that skill set into creating custom, one-of-a-kind balloon décor. From gender reveals, baby showers, birthday parties, and graduations, to corporate events, grand openings, holidays…and so much more, BAE 30A can help add that ‘it’ factor to really help your event shine!

    Bae2Megan is very active in the community and loves bringing brand awareness to homegrown businesses in the Panhandle. She is a member of the Panama City Beach Chamber and is becoming a preferred vendor with local property management companies and wedding/event planners. She is always looking to partner with local businesses to offer cost-friendly balloon décor while building great relationships with her clientele.

    Megan fell in love with creating balloon art after her first event, which was with the Make A Wish Foundation. She was approached by a vacation property management company to help make a child’s dream come true. The joy her balloons brought to the child and her family made Megan want to keep giving back to the community.

    BAE 30A was created during the pandemic with lots of time to create unique, 100% customizable, and one-of-a-kind balloon designs. Don’t miss out on having BAE 30A at one of your upcoming events!

    To book Balloon Art Events 30A, visit their website at www.balloonartevents30a.com or find them on Instagram @balloonartevents_30A. BAE 30A can be reached by email or phone: balloonartevents30a@gmail.com or (850) 890-1990.

  • A Message From Your PCB Chamber President/CEO

    A Message From Your PCB Chamber President/CEO

    Chamber KristopherBy Kristopher McLane, President/CEO of Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce

    Summer in Panama City Beach has always been considered peak season when families flood into our beautiful destination in record numbers. But this year the season has been a little different due to COVID-19. Our area has already seen a massive influx of visitors early in the year, and things have not slowed down going into the summer.

    For example, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport officials stated March was the third-busiest month in the airport’s history, boasting more than 100% increase in passengers compared to March 2020. March’s total passenger count was an impressive 129,066. ECP is gaining national attention as well. Simple Flying, which is a popular aviation news site, stated passenger volume for the summer is more than 58% greater than the summer of 2019. This is the fourth largest percentage of growth compared to other airports across the nation.

    However, such large crowds are causing issues and concerns for a lot of our businesses due to staffing shortages. Some businesses are limiting hours of operation, closing on certain days, or working employees for long periods of time with no time off because they are left with no other options. A positive step forward for the business community in Bay County is that the state of Florida recently ended the $300 federal unemployment benefits on June 26. Employers are hopeful the loss of extra benefits will result in more people applying for available jobs. But there will still be shortages and hiring apprehension. CareerSource Gulf Coast is a great resource for employers in the meantime; there are also ongoing discussions among local leaders to recruit people to this area.

    The other side of the coin to staff shortages is housing inventory and affordable options. According to the Central Panhandle Association of Realtors, active listings in Bay County were around 630 in May compared to 1,255 in January. As this inventory continues to dwindle, CPAR states there are only 1.4 months of inventory available compared to 2.7 months at the end of 2020. Luckily, many apartment complexes around Bay County are coming online over the next few months. Also, according to recently released PR from St. Joe, they announced additional homesite sales, new home builders, and future planned phases at its workforce housing communities in Bay County. St. Joe broke ground on the single-family home communities of College Station, Titus Park, and Park Place in 2019 in response to the housing shortage created by Hurricane Michael. Each of the communities began welcoming residents in 2020. Interest from potential home buyers and home builders remains high as the region sees an influx of new residents. A recent study by The New York Times that examined where people are moving to in the United States found that the Panama City area ranked 8th out of 926 metro areas for the largest net in-migration percentage increase from 2019 to 2020.

    Bay County is a beautiful place to live, work, or come visit so remember that when the roads are full of traffic, it takes longer at your restaurant for the food, or you walk into a store and have trouble finding an employee to check stock for you. We are a growing community and local officials and businesses are doing the best they can. The Panama City Beach Chamber is here to help our members and visitors this summer. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

    I hope everyone has a safe, prosperous, and fun summer.


    Welcome New Chamber Members

    Be Home Rentals

    (850) 832-8626 karen@thebeachbrokers.com

    Best Shot Aerial

    (850) 890-4383 bestshotaerial21@gmail.com

    Aerial Photography/Video

    Fogo Solutions

    (678) 640-3646 brada@fogodatacenters.com

    Technology Infrastructure/Security

    Northwest Florida Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center

    (850) 250-0112 hkretzer@us-woundcare.com

    Medical Services/Clinics

    Raffields Seafood, LLC

    (850) 215-2427 cody@raffieldshelpinghands.com

    Restaurants

    Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q

    (850) 215-2427 vmartin@rudys.com

    Restaurants 

    Suncoast Roofer Supply

    (850)462-5300 amy.smith@suncoastrooferssupply.com

    Roofing Distributor

    The Beauty Creators

    (330) 327-0434 thebeautycreatorspcb@gmail.com

    Cosmetics 

    Carroll Coastal Contracting

    (850) 730-7460 cynthia.shaluta@gmail.com

    Painting Contractors/Services 

    Double H Construction & Development

    (850) 596-9675 khill@constructiondoubleh.com

    Construction

    Heather’s Interiors, LLC

    (615) 738-1796 heathergriese@seebeeconstructors.com

    Home Improvement

    Operation Spay Bay

    (850) 215-1022 twilight44dd@gmail.com

    Non-Profit Organizations

    Our Organized Spaces, LLC

    (850) 319-8182 andym722@gmail.com

    Interior Design

    Peterson Insurance & Financial Services, LLC

    (850) 221-1810 courtney@cpertersonfinancial.com

    Insurance

    Pit Stop BBQ, LLC

    (850) 481-1600 pcpitstopbbq@gmail.com

    Restaurants

    Anchor FL Realty – Greg Robertson

    (660) 349-6509 greg@anchorfl.com

    Realtors/Brokers

    Austin Music Co.

    (850) 249-7111 michael@austinmusicpcb.com

    Music Stores

    INFLOW Smart Technologies, Inc.

    (850) 323-0151 chip.inflowcard.coo@gmail.com

    Advertising/Marketing

    RRCA Roofing & Reconstruction

    (850) 409-3090 joshua.monk@rrcaflorida.com

    Roofing

    Sugar Kingdom

    (850) 376-4675 ddaproducts@gmail.com

    Candy Shops

     TinkerJet Cleaning, LLC

    (850) 708-5596 tinkerjetcleaning@gmail.com

    Cleaning

  • Know Your Pro: Go Solar/Stay Local with Sundew Solar

    Know Your Pro: Go Solar/Stay Local with Sundew Solar

    Sundew Solar LogoGoing solar is a term that has become all too synonymous with door-to-door salesmen and out-of-town corporations trying to capitalize on Florida’s reputation as “The Sunshine State.” Sundew Solar is proudly breaking the barrier on big business by becoming the first completely locally owned and operated solar company in Bay County. After Mike Weber of MK Weber Engineering, a local structural engineering firm, saw the need for a small-town source for solar power in our community, he teamed with his childhood friend, Aric Bowen, to begin offering a trusted solar solution to locals interested in going green.

    Aric and his family made the recent move to Panama City all the way from Illinois after becoming so passionate about the opportunity to help the community through Sundew Solar. With a background in construction and commercial sales, he has navigated the startup of the company with ease, all while endeavoring to establish lasting relationships throughout Bay County through Chamber events and local connections.

    Though the idea of going solar can seem like a daunting endeavor, Sundew has set itself apart by establishing itself as a truly trusted source for knowledge on going green through solar panels. For an estimate, it’s as easy as dropping by their office on 23rd Street with a recent power bill and your address; a custom quote can be generated within one hour of stopping by. Through a solar energy system, an average-sized single-family home can expect to save around $60,000 in power bills over 25 years, which is also the equivalent of 25,312 gallons of gas and 247,739 pounds of coal.

    Stop in to speak with Aric or schedule an in-home consultation to see how much money you could save by going solar and to learn more about their in-house financing options.

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