Summer - Fall 2008
COVER STORY:
 Mobile Symphony Orchestra
Enhancing lives and enchanting audiences
“Classical music is meant for everybody!” opened Scott Speck, Music Director and Conductor for the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, when asked if there was any one thing he would want to highlight. “So many in this country feel that in order to enjoy classical music, you have to have a certain level of education or be of a certain economic or ethnic background—that is completely untrue.”
Speck and the team of musicians and support staff at the Mobile Symphony Orchestra are passionate about their music, and this passion motivates them to share their craft with an ever-widening audience. To this end, the Orchestra actively pursues new and creative ways to attract a diverse crowd, ranging from education programs and young people’s concerts to ticket vouchers and matinee performances—all in support of their mission to “enhance the lives of every member of the community by achieving the highest standards in live symphonic music and music education.”
Beginning in 2001, the Mobile Symphony began a music education program that now reaches 14 schools in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. Through partnerships with local schools, students receive in-school tutoring from Orchestra musicians as part of the Preludes (basic music for 1st and 2nd grade) and Strings Class (violin and cello for 3rd through 5th grade). Additional after-school programs are in place for students desiring to further their education or to participate in the Youth Orchestra. According to Sarah Wright, Mobile Symphony’s Director of Education, studies show that students who participate in these programs score significantly higher on standardized tests. “The disciplines that are developed through the study of music are helping to develop a creative workforce for the future,” she adds. The Mobile Symphony also performs special concerts both in and out of the school setting to provide students the opportunity to experience orchestral music.
On the performance side, many world-renowned musicians have graced the stage with the Mobile Symphony Orchestra such as Yo Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman, and this season is no exception. This year, pianist Per Tengstrand, cellist Aledandre Bouzlov, and Celtic band Mithril will be returning to Mobile as well as
nine-year-old child prodigy Marc Yu,
piano phenomenon Alian Lefevre,
violinist Midori, and percussionist Evelyn Glennie.
The music selection for the year has Speck raving, calling it “the most exciting season yet!” He goes on: “We have Beethoven’s ‘Fifth,’ Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue,’ and Holst’s ‘The Planets.’ But we’ve also mixed in some masterpieces by Respighi, Sibelius, Elgar, Michael Torke, and Kevin Puts that have never been heard in Mobile!”
New to the 2008–2009 season, the Mobile Symphony now offers a Sunday matinee at 2:30 PM. According to Speck, the matinee has opened doors to those previously unable to attend a Saturday evening performance. “We’ve seen many more retirees as well as families and churchgoers—we’re thrilled at the response!”
Tickets range from $8 to $55 for a single performance and from $36 to $360 for season passes. Groups of ten or more receive direct assistance, priority seating, and publicity materials as well as a discounted ticket price. Reduced rates are also available for students.
For more information regarding its various education programs or to experience the music yourself, call the Mobile Symphony Orchestra at
(251) 432-2010. Stop by the Orchestra’s website at www.mobilesymphony.org to purchase tickets as well as to view a season schedule, to watch performance videos, or to sign up for a monthly newsletter.
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 United Bank
Your hometown advantage goes green
If you are receiving five paper bills in the mail per month and paying that same amount with paper checks, the environmental impact of these actions is more severe than you might think. Specifically, paper bills and bill paying requires 2 pounds of paper, 18 gallons of wastewater, and 76 pounds of greenhouse gases. These gases are equivalent to 73 miles not driven in your car, 1 tree planted and grown for 10 years, and 10 square feet of forest preserved from deforestation.
Who knew? United Bank, apparently. The above information can be calculated by using the “green” calculator featured on United Bank’s website.
The company, founded in 1904 and touting the motto “Your Hometown Advantage,” has served small town businesses and communities in the region for 104 years. While United Bank acts locally, it is a company that certainly thinks globally; and it has stepped up to the environmental challenges facing our planet, namely with the introduction of its ECO Rewards Checking program.
Not only does ECO Rewards Checking benefit the environment by being entirely paperless, this checking program pays you to be green by boasting the following benefits:
• A high-interest yield on checking balances up to $25,000
• No monthly service charge
• No minimum balance requirement
• No per check fee
• Free Check Easy debit card
• Free electronic bill payment (two transactions required per statement cycle)
Stop by any of their locations in Santa Rosa County; visit
www.unitedbank.com; or call (800) 432-7026 to find out more about how United Bank cares for the environment and for you.
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 Center Stage Ballroom
Dance, dance, dance!
Dance does it all! It provides a fun alternative to traditional workouts; it offers a great way to meet new people; and it plays an important role in many special occasions. That’s why Center Stage Ballroom offers such a wide variety of classes.
As exercise, it has been shown to relieve tension, lower blood pressure, and promote weight loss. “I’m surprised at the number of times I’ve been at practice and have actually broken out in a sweat—proof that dancing is good cardio exercise,” says David Presnell, a student at Center Stage Ballroom.
There are other benefits, too. Dancing makes people feel like kids again, and it gives them a chance to express themselves in a safe place. “It also produces the ‘feel good’ hormones that undo the energy draining activities of the day,” says Charlie Ellis, who owns Center Stage Ballroom with her husband, Dave.
By offering a variety of classes, Center Stage is able to meet the needs of dancers with different interests and levels of experience. Programs for children start at age two, and younger dancers especially enjoy the ballet and hip hop classes. Adult students tend to favor the tango, salsa, and swing classes. Center Stage Ballroom is also the only local studio to offer Irish Dancing.
The staff at the Center Stage Ballroom especially enjoys the lessons offered for wedding parties. The instructors love to help couples pick the perfect song and teach them a dance that matches their selection. They also provide the same support for the mother/son dance and the
father/daughter dance.
Shows like Dancing with the Stars are inspiring people everywhere to start dancing. To learn about the classes available at Center Stage Ballroom, visit the studio at 5007 N. Davis Highway #14 in Pensacola; call the studio at (850) 479-9444; or visit their website at www.centerstageballroom.com.
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 Pensacola Landscaping & Lawn Care
Green in more ways than one
A “green” lawn might sound redundant, but Todd King, owner of Pensacola Landscaping and Lawn Care, will tell you otherwise.
Pensacola Landscaping and Lawn Care has been in business since 1989, and this vast amount of experience has made the company a landscape leader on the Gulf Coast. King attributes the company’s success and longevity to the expertise of his employees who number over 70. This group includes a professional landscape designer, two horticulturists, a licensed irrigation contractor, and two certified pest control operators, all of whom contribute knowledge and experience to the various services the company offers from landscape design and maintenance to irrigation installations and monitoring, fertilization, and spraying programs.
With this team of experts, it comes as no surprise that Pensacola Landscaping and Lawn Care was responsible for the first Green Certified landscape in the Pensacola area. This landscape is a component of the Home Builders Association of West Florida’s 2008 American Dream Home, which is located in the Nature Trail subdivision and has been dubbed “The Green Dream” by builder West Calhoun.
“The Green Dream” lawn evidences an amalgamation of Pensacola Landscaping and Lawn Care’s varied areas of expertise, which were put to use in meeting the rigorous criteria laid forth by the University of Florida to define a Florida-friendly yard. These criteria include, but are not limited to, using the right plant in the right place, attracting wildlife, recycling, reducing storm water runoff, and watering efficiently.
With these criteria in mind, Pensacola Landscaping and Lawn Care’s landscape designer, Steven Killebrew, began the project by selecting low-maintenance native shrubs and trees, which, when combined with the right type of soil, sunlight, and water conditions, can drastically reduce the need for water, fertilizer, pesticides and pruning. Additionally, Trey Davis, Landscape Construction Manager, and the team selected wildlife-friendly plantings, providing a sanctuary for indigenous species.
Killebrew also incorporated a rain garden, compost area, and vegetable garden into the design. The rain garden performs the essential function of collecting runoff water from the property, which prevents pollutants from entering our waterways and, ultimately, our drinking water. The compost breaks down lawn clippings and other organic matter. The resulting compost is rich in nutrients and can be used as a natural fertilizer, improving lawn health and eliminating waste.
Lastly, King’s crew installed a Hunter irrigation system that consists of a weather station controller. The controller is able to measure wind, rainfall, and temperature and will not allow the system to operate in inefficient circumstances, such as in a strong wind, when water would be wasted. The system also features a drip irrigation component in plant beds to prevent any overspray as well as turf zones dedicated to grass only as grass and shrubs have different watering requirements. This irrigation system, combined with drought-resistant turf, ensures efficient use of water.
For more information on how Pensacola Landscaping and Lawn Care can help you with your landscaping and lawn needs, visit their website at www.pensacolalandscaping.com or call (850) 476-2125 or (888) 476-2125.
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 PremierGarage of the Florida Panhandle
Creating your ultimate garage
You’ve built your dream home and perfected your living areas, but one thing’s missing—the Ultimate Garage! PremierGarage of the Florida Panhandle can transform this typically overlooked space to display the same pride and careful detail that you’ve put into your home.
Family owners Adam, Tyler, and Jami Searle bring the skills necessary to ensure complete satisfaction from consultation to completion. PremierGarage of the Florida Panhandle is a nationwide leader in garage enhancement, using long-life and environmentally friendly flooring products as well as superior materials and installation methods for all cabinets, organizers, and storage solutions.
There are many styles and colors of flooring and cabinet finishes to choose from, and you can even design your own garage at the PremierGarage of the Florida Panhandle’s website. With a few clicks, you can see a sample garage transform using the color choices you select. Try it for yourself at
premiergarage.com/garage_builder.
For cabinets and storage systems, each piece is priced separately, so you can tailor your system to your needs and budget. Everything is expandable, so you can upgrade your system as your needs change or your budget allows. Because every garage is different, a designer will provide a free consultation to best determine your needs. As part of the consultation, you’ll be given computerized renderings of the proposed renovation along with a detailed price breakdown to allow you to make an educated decision.
For a limited time, you can win the ultimate car to go with your Ultimate Garage in the PremierGarage of the Florida Panhandle’s “Ultimate Give-A-Way!” Upgrade your garage with PremierGarage, and enter for your chance to win a 2008 Mercedes Benz and up to $25,000 cash!
Let the Searles show you how to add value to your home with a streamlined garage space that you can be proud of. Give PremierGarage of the Florida Panhandle a call at (850) 651-6337 to schedule your consultation.
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 Florida Imaging & Network Systems
Your local imaging & network connection
Glenn Wilson has been in the imaging (copiers, duplicators, fax machines, and printers) business over 14 years. Since 2000, Wilson has owned and operated Florida Imaging & Network Systems. “It’s amazing the speed at which equipment changes. The printers, copiers, and faxes of today are faster, better quality, and more reliable than they were even 5 years ago.”
One thing that hasn’t changed is how he views customer service for his clients. “We’re known for our great service,” says Wilson. “We’re locally owned and operated, so we can give our customers a quick response. They don’t have to wait for someone to drive 2–3 hours just to get here. That is the main reason we’ve had a 90% customer retention rate.”
Florida Imaging & Network Systems sells and services a complete line of fax machines, copiers, duplicators, printers, and plotters with great name brands like Mita, Muratec, Okidata, Savin, Standard, and Xerox. They also provide network solutions for linking all of that equipment to a client’s computer network system.
“We’re really a one-call-to-fix-it-all company,” says Chris Goodloe, VP of Sales. “There is nothing more frustrating to a client than to have a problem between their printer and their network and then having to deal with two companies pointing the finger at each other. We handle the printing, copying equipment installation, and maintenance, and we also setup and maintain a client’s network for them, too. That way, they only have one call to make when there’s a problem between the equipment and the network; they simply call us. And when they do call us, they will actually speak to a real person on the phone, not a switchboard system.”
To find out how your company can benefit from a one-call-to-fix-it-all-company, visit their website at
www.FLImaging.com; call (850) 473-0018; or stop in to see them at 2405 Langley Avenue in Pensacola.
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 Loaves & Fishes
Twenty five years tilling His fields
Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen celebrated its 25th Anniversary on February 16, 2008. This grass-roots, Christian ministry in Pensacola has served approximately two million meals to the homeless over the last 25 years, according to Rick Humphreys, Founder and Executive Director.
“I had purchased Child’s Restaurant in Downtown Pensacola and one day a close friend of mine, Ellen Balthrop, came in to talk with me about feeding the hungry. I couldn’t help but think it was a personal call to fulfill the Lord’s command ‘Feed my lambs.’” says Humphreys.
In February of 1983, Loaves and Fishes was officially launched by Humphreys and others to provide meals for those people who are in need and to minister to their spiritual needs as well through counseling and prayer. “Our mission has remained consistent the last 25 years,” Humphreys said.
While the mission has remained the same, the program has expanded to provide a much-needed emergency shelter for homeless families in this area. Loaves and Fishes moved into its current location at 257 East Lee Street under Interstate 110 near downtown Pensacola in 1991. This facility has a large kitchen, dining area, and 39 beds for emergency housing for homeless families. This emergency shelter has since housed 3,810 families, including 6,344 children.
Loaves and Fishes, with the cooperation of many area churches, also provides transitional housing for families who are “on their way back” to self-sufficiency. There are currently 19 transitional houses throughout the community with two additional homes under construction in Santa Rosa County. Families can stay for up to two years with the goal being to go from homeless to homeowner. In fact, two families this year became homeowners.
The Loaves and Fishes facility also has the Living Well Center, a family education center that provides classes to parents and their children. The Parenting Center teaches Biblically based parenting and life skills to the Emergency Shelter families, those in the Transitional Housing Program, and women inmates in the Escambia County Jail. In addition, Loaves and Fishes Thrift Store on Palafox Street sells new and used items to help fund the ministry and also offers free clothing to those in need.
The foundation of Loaves and Fishes has always been volunteers, according to Humphreys. “We wouldn’t be here today without the churches and all the countless people who have donated their time to serve the homeless,” said Humphreys. Since opening, 260,000 volunteer hours have been provided to the ministry.
Humphreys’ vision for the future of Loaves and Fishes is to continue to focus on the core ministry of reaching the homeless through shelter, feeding programs, and education, but it is also to work to help employ at-risk individuals. He says he hopes to start community-based businesses that will employ individuals and help families reach their goal of self-sufficiency as well as provide income for the services of this ministry.
For more information, to make a monetary donation and/or new or used items for the Thrift Store, or to volunteer your time, call (850) 438-7616.
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 Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County
Free books for kids
Remarkably, many people in Escambia County are unaware of a non-profit organization that does so much for our community as a whole. “The community’s future is tied to what happens to children from birth to age five,” says Diane Hutcherson, executive director of the Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County (ELCEC). Children who enter school prepared to learn have the best chance of completing their education with the necessary abilities to become productive citizens.
The ELCEC provides financial assistance to low-income working families for childcare in order to obtain or maintain employment, and they also have local responsibility for implementation of Florida’s free voluntary pre-kindergarten (VPK) program for four year olds. Escambia County has almost 3,200 children per day in early learning programs supported with public funding, and approximately 2,200 children are in the VPK program.
The ELCEC has worked to bring a special project to Escambia County: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Escambia County parents can register their children at the ELCEC office for the Imagination Library, which sends one free hardback book monthly to registered children from birth to age five. A tip sheet for parents will also be available for each book. Promoting the parent as their “child’s first teacher” increases a child’s ability to learn by the time they reach kindergarten, and it increases a child’s ability to read and comprehend by the time they reach 3rd grade.
For information about the services of the ELCEC or the Imagination Library, please call (850) 595-5400.
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 Electronic Display Networks
Sign of the times
The goal of advertising is to get the right message to the right people at the right time. This is challenging in any business climate, but now—with companies striving to reduce expenses and maximize advertising dollars—it is more difficult than ever.
However, a number of local companies have discovered a new, cost-effective resource that is increasing their visibility, expanding their customer bases, and reaching targeted markets. Digital signs can now be seen in local stores, hotels, restaurants, fitness centers, and other businesses. These signs use an ever-changing combination of video, still ads, and clever tickers to educate consumers and drive sales.
According to Electronic Digital Networks (EDN) owner John Pharr, digital signs are “going through a tremendous growth phase in our area, and they’re here to stay because they’ve been shown to produce a much higher return on investment than traditional forms of advertising.”
Throughout Pensacola, EDN is using plasma display panels, computer monitors, and televisions to replace and enhance regular signage. These screens allow business managers to convey information in real time and target messages to specific audiences. For example, in a medical setting, screens can be placed in the lobby, exam rooms, and cafeteria. Separate messages are then delivered to each set of screens with information that is relevant to the specific audiences viewing them.
In addition to owning and operating EDN, John Pharr is also the owner of JP Micro, Pensacola’s oldest and most experienced Internet technology company. This unique background provides EDN with the technical expertise it takes to create cutting-edge marketing and advertising solutions.
EDN is the only provider in the area that offers turnkey solutions for digital signage needs. To learn more about how digital signage can be used to enhance and expand your business, visit www.edncorp.net or call (850) 432-8080.
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 CES Team One Communications
Connectivity = Success
Have you talked to CES Team One Communications lately about products other than Motorola two-way radios? In 1981, the company’s main focus was to support and maintain service on Escambia County’s Public Safety radio system. They took care of mobile radios, portable radios, pagers, the dispatch center, and the entire infrastructure to keep the department talking. Today, CES Team One and Motorola not only provide two-way radios for Public Safety, but they also complete connectivity for business, security, and safety communication systems.
Let’s say you need a remote parking garage or warehouse or even a water supply that needs to be video monitored, but it is too far away to be wired. A pair of PTP Canopy units connected to a camera can wirelessly send the video back to a network for monitoring and recording. If you have multiple buildings within a campus setting, a downtown area, or several locations as far away as 10 to 20 miles between them and you need to connect your network, CES Team One offers a solution to replace your monthly reoccurring T-1 lines with equipment that can provide up to 300 megabits of throughput. Imagine connecting your network of several buildings back to one central location without paying the phone company a monthly fee! This is what is being done by school campuses, Government buildings, law offices, and utility companies. The monthly savings can pay for the equipment in 12 to 24 months in most cases.
Motorola has expanded its portfolio of products, and CES Team One has geared up to bring these products to you. They have a fully authorized service department, trained sales team, certified tower crews and multiple locations along the Gulf Coast to serve you.
To get connected, visit www.TeamOneCommunications.com or call (850) 432-7787.
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 WSRE
Raising readers!
Kids love to learn, and WSRE, the Gulf Coast region’s PBS member station, is here to help turn anytime into learning time—whether they are at home, at school, in child care, or in the community. WSRE was recently selected as one of 20 PBS stations in the country to participate in the national PBS Kids “Raising Readers” literacy initiative. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, “Raising Readers” uses engaging television programs, exciting games, playful websites, and easy-to-use learning resources for kids, parents, caregivers, and teachers—all with the goal of helping children, especially those from low-resource families, ages 2–8, get ready to read.
The featured PBS Kids television programs to be used in the initiative are Between the Lions, Sesame Street, Super WHY!, and WordWorld. Two additional new programs Martha Speaks, launching Labor Day, and The New Electric Company, launching in early 2009, will be added.
This new initiative features an approach called “Literacy 360,” which surrounds children with opportunities to read, and it engages parents, teachers, and communities in the effort. The focus of “Raising Readers” is depth instead of the more traditional mass market approach. This means really targeting down to the neighborhood level to reach people where they work, worship, eat, and socialize.
It’s been said that it takes a village to raise a child. WSRE believes that it takes a community to raise readers. WSRE is working to identify local community organizations and members with whom initiative proponents can join forces to achieve the best results. With the help of the community, WSRE will be able to offer a wealth of information and resources through various vehicles such as the aforementioned PBS Kids programs, interactive websites, a multimedia marketing campaign, fun family events, and online PBS Teacherline “Raising Readers” literacy courses for early childhood professionals.
Visit www.wsre.org or ReadyToLearnReading.org to find out how you can help make a difference in a child’s life.
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 Elite Services
A family’s promise
1985 seems like a long time ago. If asked what we were doing back then, it would probably take us a moment to answer. For owners David and Karen Nixon of Elite Services, they remember that year as the opening chapter in their own personal success story. Since then, the Nixons have grown their small carpet cleaning business to the full-scale textile cleaning company that it is today.
David explains that his staff takes pride in “doing what they promise” and with such a broad range of capabilities, they promise a lot! Their tag line sums it up: “If you sit on it, walk on it, and take pride in it—Elite Services can clean it!” Backed by over 21 certifications and 46 years of combined experience, Elite offers the following high-quality cleaning services:
• Carpet (including repair and re-stretching)
• Upholstery (leather and delicates)
• Rugs (oriental, delicate, and exotic)
• Draperies
• Tile and grout
• Water damage restoration
Elite Services is a family-owned and operated company with siblings Elizabeth and Tim continuing their parents’ tradition of excellence by upholding the company’s mission “to honor and glorify God by providing the most outstanding service experience ever.” With Elite, you will be impressed by more than just outstanding service. Their commitment to faith and family means for them a higher calling, and the results show in their teamwork and joyful service.
Elite’s service area spans all of Baldwin, Escambia, and Santa Rosa Counties, and their resume includes a diverse client base. They are up to any challenge from small-scale residential to comprehensive commercial service contracts. If you are looking for a company that takes as much care in protecting your investments as you do, give Elite Services a call at (850) 453-5544.
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