|
Check out what's happening around Okaloosa County, Florida
Where you can find superior lifestyle, leading technology and boundless opportunity!
March 2026
| |
|
By Nathan Sparks, CEcD
As I write this, Spring has officially arrived on the Emerald Coast! With the new season comes a slate of events, meetings and industry trade shows – all opportunities for us to spread the gospel of this great community we call home. First up is the Site Selectors Guild Spring Conference in Atlanta. This event brings together leading site selectors (individuals who advise businesses on optimal locations for their future facilities) from around the country. Given that a single site selection consultant may literally conduct site searches for dozens of clients across a wide range of industry sectors, sharing Okaloosa’s value proposition with them is an incredibly efficient (and cost effective) means of promoting our county.
Following the Site Selectors Guild, One Okaloosa’s first Roundtable luncheon of the year is taking place March 31 at the Hilton Garden Inn. This sold-out event will feature President Mel Ponder, Northwest Florida State College, and newly-appointed President Manny Diaz, Jr., University of West Florida, in a “fireside chat” discussing the roles that their respective institutions play in building our region’s future workforce.
In April, One Okaloosa will be out on the prospect trail once again – this time for the annual MRO Americas trade show in Orlando. Focused on commercial aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul, the event is expected to attract 17,000+ attendees and more than 1000 exhibitors. Given the outstanding asset that we have in the Bob Sikes Airport, a ready workforce including transitioning military members with aircraft maintenance experience, and the Northwest Florida State College Aviation Center of Excellence, we have much to offer these companies.
Looking a bit further out, One Okaloosa’s 9th annual TeCMEN (Technology Coast Manufacturing & Engineering Network) Industry Day is scheduled for May 13 at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center. At present, we’ve sold 43 exhibitor booths with 7 still remaining. We’re also busy rounding out our agenda. Some of the highlights this year include speakers and panels on topics ranging from air mobility (think air taxis!) to a spotlight of some extremely bright and dynamic ladies on a “Women in STEM” panel. Also, a new addition to TeCMEN Industry Day this year will be “CareerConnect” – a dedicated job fair taking place on the expo hall floor. Active-duty military can attend the CareerConnect portion of the day for free, and thanks to support from CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, up to 50 veterans and/or military spouses can also attend at no cost. Visit www.tecmenindustryday.com to learn more or register, and remember – you don’t have to be involved in technology, defense or manufacturing to benefit from attending!
| | | | Defense Support Initiatives Committee | |
By Garry Haase, Chairman
Continual operation and expansion of military installations, ranges and their missions is critical to our region’s economic foundation and National security. As applicable, background information and position papers on specific items are developed by the DSI and shared with Congressional members and Pentagon leaders as well as State of Florida leadership and their respective staff.
The DSI is recognized by the State of Florida as the official representative and lead agency in the Okaloosa County area for military-community initiatives. To best serve local military installations and units, the DSI leverages volunteer military unit liaisons to maintain ongoing relationships with unit commanders. Each year, the DSI composes a top priority position paper and utilizes that paper as an effective tool to provide situational awareness on local military topics.
The DSI leadership team will be traveling to Washington D.C. in April to meet with our Congressional leaders on the topics identified by the DSI military liaisons and included in this year’s Military Priorities Point Paper. It may be no surprise that our number one priority is to maintain and protect the Eastern Gulf Test & Training Range from oil drilling and energy related encroachment activities.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) under the Department of Interior is anticipated to release their next five-year draft plan for oiling drilling sometime this summer. Following successful community expression of support for the military range in the eastern Gulf during the January public comment period, we are optimistic that the military range will no longer be included in the drilling plans. However, if the Gulf range is still included in the second draft plan, then the DSI and other military advocates will once again be asking for your support by providing a public comment. The DSI leadership team stands ready for the next step and we will keep you informed as we learn more.
| | Technology Coast Manufacturing & Engineering Network | |
By Travis Hill, Chairman
The Technology Coast Manufacturing and Engineering Network, TeCMEN, was established by One Okaloosa Economic Development Council to be the premier business advocate for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) industries. Current emphasis is on advancing the STEM ecosystem within the Okaloosa County region.
Bit-Wizards, celebrating 25 years, is a managed IT company serving small to medium-sized businesses across the Southeast. Founded in 2000, they have received recognition at national, regional, and state levels for excellence. Bit-Wizards emphasizes innovation and expertise, maintaining up-to-date certifications to support clients with advanced IT solutions. Vandy Vela, Solution Consultant for Bit-Wizards provided a company capabilities briefing at the February meeting.
The March meeting was hosted on-site at Okaloosa Technical College (OTC). The OTC Culinary Team, led by Chef Marcus, provided an excellent breakfast for attendees. OTC Director Jon Williams delivered an informative and well-received update on the college’s programs and achievements. Okaloosa Technical College offers quality post-secondary programs featuring state-of-the-art training facilities and professional, industry-experienced instructors. Their programs provide nationally recognized industry certifications that will qualify for entrance into the workforce or continue education. The college offers eighteen rigorous instructional programs in high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand occupations. Each career and technical program aligns with both state and national standards and are supported by Occupational Advisory Committees composed of local industry partners. The volunteer committee members review and advise on curriculum and equipment to ensure program quality and relevance. OTC is expanding at the north end of the county to increase access to career and technical education programs. The new Crestview campus is scheduled to open in August.
Those interested in learning more about this valuable community resource are invited to attend OTC’s Open House on March 26th at the FWB campus, beginning at 5:00 p.m.
The TeCMEN Industry Day is scheduled for May 13, 2026. This event is the Gulf Coast’s leading one-day technology, engineering, and manufacturing expo offering a platform for networking and collaboration in the STEM industries. For additional information and registration visit: tecmenindustryday.com.
| | Business Retention & Expansion | | |
By Filipe Wollinger, Project Manager
As the newest member of the One Okaloosa EDC team, I want to begin by expressing my gratitude for the opportunity to start this new chapter and to become part of a community I now proudly call home. Since I’ve not yet had the opportunity to meet many of you just yet, I thought it might be helpful to share a little bit about my background. I was born in Santa Catarina, Brazil, and later moved to Tampa, Florida, with my mother and younger sister. Starting over in a new country at a young age played a significant role in shaping who I am today. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of earning your place.
After high school, I joined the United States Army Reserve and continued to pursue my first passion, soccer, at the University of Tampa. In 2009, I chose to go on active duty as a Human Intelligence Collector. That experience was transformative. It taught me composure under pressure, the value of noticing what others might overlook, and the importance of truly listening. My assignments took me to South Korea, Kuwait, Afghanistan, South America, and across the United States, reinforcing the lesson that trust is built through consistency and showing up when it matters most.
When I transitioned out of the military, I was searching for more than just a career; I wanted roots. I earned my degree in Project Management from Northwest Florida State College, which ultimately led me to One Okaloosa EDC.
Today, I take pride in being someone others can count on. I’m excited about what we’re building here and the role I have in it. Please call on me to assist as needed!
| | |
Fort Walton Beach-based technology company Bit-Wizards and co-parenting communication platform TalkingParents have once again demonstrated their creative prowess, earning eight ADDY Awards from the American Advertising Federation’s Pensacola Chapter in 2025. The honors mark the 16th consecutive year the joint teams have received recognition in the prestigious advertising competition.
Mental Health America, the nation's leading nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health, well-being, and illness prevention, has awarded Bridgeway Center, Inc. the
2026 Gold Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health! Mental Health America’s Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health is the nation’s leading certification recognizing employers committed to creating mentally healthy workplaces.
Florida Blue names Hong Potomski Northwest Market President. Brian Pieninck, President/CEO of GuideWell and Florida Blue, recently shared, "Health care is local. Decisions made close to the people we serve lead to stronger partnerships, more integrated care, and healthier communities."
| | Executive Committee Members and Staff | | |
Officers
Nic Dezinski, Chairman; Bonnie Barlow, Vice-Chair; Gary Jarvis, Treasurer; Alex Barthé, Secretary; Wayne Bernheisel, Member-at-Large; Neko Stubblefield, Past Chairman
Ex Officios
CareerSource: Michele Burns
County Commissioner: Paul Mixon
Educational Partners: President Mel Ponder, Director Nicole McDonald, Superintendent Marcus Chambers
Utility Partners: Steve Rhodes, Gordon King, Bernard Johnson
| | |
Employees / Contractors
Nathan Sparks CEcD, Executive Director
Kay Rasmussen CEcD, Associate Director / DSI Manager
Filipe Wollinger, Project Manager
Natalia Germany, Administrative Assistant
Linda Sumblin, TeCMEN Manager
Penny Mercer/Alexis Allen, Accounting Department
Monica Earley, Event Coordinator
John Schuliger, TCPI Facilitator
| | | | |
Post Office Box 4097
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32549
850-362-6467
| | | | |
