One Okaloosa Events

A Conversation With Okaloosa's Military Installation Commanders

310043611_2311931855622473_7428916009028626328_n.jpgCommunity partnership was the theme of the day on March 25, 2025, as Brigadier General Mark Massaro, Commander, 96th Test Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, and Col Patrick Dierig, Commander, 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, joined forces to share their perspectives during a One Okaloosa EDC Roundtable Luncheon. Thanks to Signature Event Sponsor Eglin Federal Credit Union, the 180 community leaders in attendance were treated to a robust discussion that touched on everything from transportation priorities to talent development efforts.


 

Jimmy Patronis: Chief Financial Officer State of Florida

On September 30,  2024, One Okaloosa EDC hosted a Roundtable Luncheon featuring Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis. Florida Power & Light served as the Signature Event Sponsor. CFO Patronis, a northwest Florida native and former state legislator who was first elected to the position of CFO in 2017, provided the audience of 160 an overview of the broad responsibilities of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, including a recap of his team’s role with the state’s recovery from recent hurricane.

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Assessing the Big Three: Growth, Inflation and Labor Markets

IMG_1819.JPG David Altig, Executive Vice President and Chief Economic Adviser, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta addressed approximately 170 community leaders on March 26, 2024 in a One Okaloosa EDC Roundtable Breakfast held at the Hilton Garden Inn and sponsored by United Fidelity Bank. Mr. Altig’s talk, titled “Assessing the Big Three: Growth, Inflation and Labor Markets” shared valuable insights into the various economic metrics the Fed evaluates as they contemplate future monetary policy.

Lessons in Resiliency From a Former U.S. Navy SEAL Commander

Rep-Maney-Gen-Geraghty-Jimmy-Jerry-Neko-min.JPGRetired US Navy SEAL Commander Jimmy May served as One Okaloosa EDC’s Roundtable Breakfast Speaker on September 8, 2023 at the Hilton Garden Inn.  Jimmy’s presentation, entitled “Lessons in Resiliency From a Former U.S. Navy SEAL Commander”, highlighted some of the key leadership lessons that Jimmy learned during his 22 years of service, including seven deployments to the Middle East.  The event was sponsored by Eglin Federal Credit Union.

Reaching for the Stars: My Journey from Okaloosa to NASA

IMG_1819.JPGOkaloosa County native Jennifer Kunz, Associate Director, Technical, Kennedy Space Center served as One Okaloosa EDC’s Roundtable Breakfast speaker on March 15, 2023.  Jennifer’s presentation, entitled “Reaching for the Stars: My Journey from Okaloosa to NASA”, highlighted her experience growing up in Okaloosa County while also providing insights on recent NASA successes including the Artemis program.  The event was sponsored by FPL.

The U.S. Economy: Where Do We Go From Here?

On September 29, 2021, nearly 200 business and government leaders gathered at The Island Hotel for a highly informative One Okaloosa EDC Roundtable Breakfast presentation from Adrienne Slack, Vice President and Regional Executive, United States Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta – New Orleans Branch.  With a talk entitled “The U.S. Economy: Where Do We Go From Here?”, Ms. Slack provided insight on the various economic factors that the FOMC takes into consideration as it contemplates U.S. monetary policy.  Information derived from the Fed’s recent FOMC meeting provided the basis for a captivating discussion that touched on everything from supply chain disruptions to worker shortages.  United Fidelity Bank served as the Signature Event Sponsor.

Still Making Cents: Okaloosa's Infrastructure Sales Surtax

On March 5, 2020, more than 170 community business and government leaders were treated to a high energy and insightful panel discussion spotlighting Okaloosa County's Infrastructure Sales Surtax.  Overwhelmingly supported by local voters in November 2018, the sales surtax is generating millions for key community road and infrastructure projects.  The panel was moderated by Dr. David Goetsch and included Katie Sharon, Chair of the Okaloosa Citizens Advisory Committee, Ted Corcoran, CEO of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, John Hofstad, Okaloosa County Administrator, Michael Beedie, Fort Walton Beach City Manager and Tim Bolduc, Crestview City Manager. 

The event was sponsored by AVCON, Chesser & Barr, Gulf Power and Okaloosa Gas. 

Economic Gardening: Cultivating Sustainable Entrepreneur Support Structures

On May 22, 2019, guests gained valuable insight on what it takes to cultivate sustainable entrepreneur support structures. The keynote speaker was Jason Hamman, Hamman Consulting Group, who released the summary of his findings in the Okaloosa Incubator Feasibility commissioned by the EDC of Okaloosa County. The guests were then treated to a panel of experts representing existing entrepreneur networks in the surrounding communities. Panelists included: Patrick Rooney, Co:Lab Pensacola; Kelly Reeser, TechFarms Capitall  and Pam Kidwell, Gulf Coast State College Business Innovation Center.

The event was held at The Island, by Hotel RL and the Signature Sponsor for the event was the Okaloosa County School District - Career & Technical Education Program. A special thank you to the Choctaw High School JROTC for presenting the colors.

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