February 2024 Meeting Minutes

Meeting began 8:30am

Next Meeting: March 21, 2024

Members Present: 33

Announcements

• Account Balance Beginning January 2024: $14, 262.49

• Recurring Fees: $804.89

• Operating Expenses: $73.80

• Additional Costs: $164.00

• Donations:100.00

• Total Expenditures: $1,142.69

• Account Balance end of January 2024: $14,512.55

• Current Membership Total: 155 Members

• President Bill Blanken welcomed members to the morning meeting. He spoke about the importance of

collaboration between members as it is important benefit an association can provide its own members.

• Vice President Marion Gibson reminded the members that all new members are entitled to a t-shirt from

Fresh Prints of South Walton. The coupon is redeemable at Fresh Prints of South Walton at 15950 US 331

Business, Freeport FL. 32439.

New member presentations were made:

1. Judy Coelho with North Bay Mercantile

2. Judy Griffin with Coastal Villages Real Estate

3. Robyn and Ken Aites with Trifecta Training

4. Lisa Robertson with Quest Real Estate Services of Florida

5. Jamie Tutnjevic with The Yoga Garden of Santa Rosa Beach

6. Ted Shoop Realtor with e-PRO

7. Glen White with The Green Air Group LLC

8. Melissa Harbin with Dunlap and Shipman, PA

9. Denise Barao with Universal Countertop

10. Alecia Clagett with Peoples First Insurance Services LLC

11. Ferrin Campbell with Ferrin Campbell Construction LLC

12. April Cook with Morgan Container of NWFL, LLC

13. John Dorsey with Get Finished LLC

April Paden, a Pastor at Mosaic Church reported on the progress of the Mosaic Church in Freeport to be

completed September 2024. She also announced the “Start Up Party” that will be held on March 9th,

2024 at 4:00pm at the Hammock Bay Club House.

• Presentation made by Gary Gegor with Walton County Property Appraiser. He shared his experience to

include a Revenue Service Manager and an Appraiser with the Florida Department of Revenue.

The property appraiser is responsible for identifying, locating, and fairly valuing all property,

both real and person, within the county for tax purposes. The Property Appraiser has the legal

responsibility to appraise property every year. The Recapture Rule requires property appraisers

to annually increase assessed values on homestead properties who market values are greater

that last year’s assessed value by 3%. Gary discussed real property tax exemptions that included Homestead Exemption where an

application must be filed and they must have legal title or beneficial title in equity to real

property in the State of Florida and who in good faith makes the property his or her permanent

residence is eligible.

• A service member who receives a homestead exemption may receive an additional tax

exemption on the homestead property if they are deployed during the calendar year or active

duty outside the US

• Florida residents with a total and permanent disability are eligible for $5,000 Disability

Exemption. As required for totally and permanently disabled person must be currently certified

by a physician licensed in the state of Florida, or by the Social Security Administration to be

totally and permanently disabled.

• The Value Adjustment Board (VAB) rule on objection related to market values established by the

Property Appraiser. The VAB is an independent forum for property owners to appeal their

property value or a denial exemption, classification, or tax deferral.

• Currently in Walton County there are over 90,000 parcels. All properties in the county are

appraised every year.

• Each Tangible Personal Property (TPP) is eligible for an exemption up to $25,000 of assessed

value under Florida law.

• Introduction was made to Tom DeMonbrun who is a Commercial Department Supervisor of the

Walton County Property Appraiser Office.

Raffle prizes drawn.

Meeting commenced 9:30am

January 2022 Meeting Minutes

Freeport Merchants Association
Meeting Minutes
January 19th, 2023

Present:
Chase Barfield
Nick (Jerry) Bunyan
Donna Montalvo
Aaron Ellis
David Underwood
Bill Blanken
Amber Williams
Nanci Spears
Josh Spears
Marion Gipson

Next meeting: February 16th, 2023, 8:00 am, Blount House

1. Announcements

• Current Membership Total: 99 Members

• Current account balance: $9,586.56

• Expenses:

  o Snyder, Membership works, food for Jan evening social

Events Committee:

• February Social will be hosted by Lor Logue with Fathom Realty at the Hammock Bay Lake Club on February 23rd

• March Social will be Hosted by Freeport Jujitsu on March 9th at their new location. Flyer coming

• April, there will be no Evening Social due to the Night Out for Freeport Event on Saturday the 29th.

• March Social – Gipson Financial – Location TBD

Membership Committee:

• A2Z printing – Donna Montalvo Promotional Products company.

• Rotary Satellite office in Freeport – David Underwood – their goal is to grow to 20 members to become a formally recognized Rotary Club

  o Offering a $2000 scholarship to Freeport High School Seniors
  o Sophomores get to go to Youth Leadership Camp
  o Meetings are every other Thursday at 6:00pm at the Bay Restaurant

• Emerald Coast Accounts – Financial Advisor; Life insurance, annuities, etc. makes house calls and office meetings in Destin. EmeraldCoastAccounts.com

• VFW – only one in Walton County – Nick (Jerry) Bunyan, Service Officer. If any veterans need help with paperwork and the system, Nick can help. They do community outreach and help veterans in need as well as homeless outreach – and finding a place to live for homeless veterans. https://www.vfwpost4437.org/

  General Topics:

• We are happy to Welcome Back Marion Gipson to the Board of Directors

• We are seeking volunteers for all committees: Membership, Events, and Social/Outreach If

  you would like to volunteer, email secretary@thefma.online

• We will be moving the Monthly Evening Socials to the 4th Thursday of each month starting in May. February will be on the 23rd, March will be on the 9th.

Open Discussion:

• Commerce Park – Cleaning out land now. Homes to go, Realtor, bought the lot and is putting in a little business spark with office space, retail shops, and possibly a restaurant.

• Food Truck court going in next to City Hall: Freeport Foodies

• In the plaza behind Taco Bell: Los Rancheros is estimated to open between March and April, Freeport flooring, Lulu Beans, Subway, and a Fish market are all in construction with openings TBA

• A Dollar General is coming to Portland Area

December 2022 Meeting Minutes

Freeport Merchants Association
Meeting Minutes
December 15th, 2022

Present:
Chase Barfield
Ethan Barfield
Aaron Ellis
Latilda Hughs
Bill Blanken
Amber Williams
Nanci Spears
Josh Spears

Next meeting: January 19th, 2022, 8:00 am, Blount House

1. Announcements

• Current Membership Total: 97 Members

• Current account balance: $9,213.49

• Expenses:

o Snyder, Membership works

Events Committee:

• Night out For Freeport will be April 29th. Location TBD

• January Social will be Hosted b the FMA at the Hammock Bay lake Club

• February Social will be hosted by Lor Logue with Fathom Realty at the Hammock Bay Lake Club on February 23rd

• March Social will be Hosted by Freeport Jujitsu on March 9th at their new location. Flyer coming

  Membership Committee:

• New Member Emerald Coast Title

Anyone in the company of a Member is welcome to come to the morning meetings and Evening Socials – it does not have to be the “Owner”

General Topics:

Chase:

• Results of Charity nominations for the top 3 to be voted on:

o Freeport Angels – helps provide toys for the less fortunate

o Veterans Memorial

• Email to vote will be sent out and the one with the most votes will be the recipient of the

  proceeds for the 2023 Night Out for Freeport.

• We as an organization consciously decided to be the central point to disseminate news and events for Freeport. Amber has been doing an excellent job receiving all the submissions and placing them on our calendar.

• There is a form on our website to submit your events.

• Starting in January, Latilda – city planner for Freeport will be on the agenda to share what’s planned, approved, in process etc. as well as confirm or deny any rumors of what’s coming or not to Freeport.

Open Discussion:

• Northstar Global – Chase’s company is being acquired – in January they will shut down their Freeport Office.

o Chase can no longer be President as he is no longer a merchant in Freeport.
o Josh Spears will move into the President position and Bill Blanken will be our New Vice President.
o Chase will remain on the board

• Latilda:

o The City entered into a development agreement with a group that is developing a property east of Windswept. They want to acquire public sewage – they have public water already. We are working with them to design a sewer main and lift station from Freeport City limits at hwy 20 all the way east to Windswept.

o They will construct a sewer main and lift station that the city designs and they will bear the cost. This will change the game east of town.

o The city is reviewing all development in anticipation of this line happening. o Construction will start mid-2023 and take 6-8 months to complete
o There is NO COSTCO coming to Freeport
o Still in negotiations with Space Florida to bring a company here so stay tunes

November 2022 Meeting Minutes

Freeport Merchants Association
Meeting Minutes
November 17th, 2022

Present:
Chase Barfield
Ethan Barfield
Aaron Ellis
Latilda Hughs
Bill Blanken
Amber Williams
Nanci Spears
Josh Spears

Next meeting: December 15th, 2022, 8:00am, Blount House

1. Announcements

• Current Membership Total: 67 Members

• Current account balance: $8,806.00

• Expenses:

o GoDaddy, Snyder, Membership works, Blue Host, Marion – check for morning food last month

Events Committee:

• Nanci Spears is Officially Events with Josh Spears
• Sports to Geaux will be hosting the December Social
• January on is open
• Possibly Latilda and the building department will host

Membership Committee:

• We need someone to replace Marion to help Bill with the Membership Committee

General Topics:

• Initial responses from Charity nominations

o Nanci and Josh nominate Freeport Christmas Angels.

o Latilda nominated – Continued Dev and maintenance of the Veterans Park

• Must be a local charity/non-profit that serves Freeport
• December 1st voting begins
• We can also use more volunteers for the committees. Josh and Bill will draw up responsibilities and submit them to Aaron.
• Aaron has been appointed Chairman of the Board
• We will be sending out an email asking for members to volunteer for the committees.
• Amber has been doing a great job at taking all the events and city events and putting them on our calendar and Facebook calendar.
• We have been working with Barbara from the city and others to become a central place for all events. Working on getting everyone to come to thefma.online for event information
• To submit an event to be on the calendars please submit it by the 15th of the previous month.
• Latilda will work with Josh on more locations for socials as there are many new businesses that need publicity.
• Owls Head – phase one – the apartments are underway.

Open Discussion:

• Latilda will speak at our morning meetings and wants to work with us. She will give city updates as they change from week to week.

o An email will go out saying that Latilda will be attending every morning meeting
o She will give updates, dispel rumors, answer questions, etc.
o You can email her at any time and say “Hey, I would like the latest development summary. Or “I heard this was coming to Freeport, is it true?” She updates it at the beginning of every month.
o Her email is: lhughes-neel@freeprotflorida.gov
o In front of city hall “Freeport Foodies” is coming with 3 spots for food trucks
o The city gives consideration to Private-public partnerships and the ability to communicate and be part of the process is very important and one of the reasons that Freeport is successful.
o There have been 34 development orders for new businesses this year.
o At each meeting, she will present on a different topic – Multi-family projects, Planned Dev Projects, and Advantages to the city and developers.
o What we can expect population-wise: Right now there is 22 Development projects in motion. If we move along at the current pace, we will double our population within 3 years.
o The city is actively looking for new school sites
o There will be a food court next to Props Brewery
o Other things you will see in Hammock Bay: a Pharmacy, Hair Salon, Full Spa, and a Dental Office.
o With regards to the middle school being built in hammock bay near Alcohol and a Brewery: 3 years ago a measure was passed by the legislature that in Town Centers that are designated as such in a master-planned community, you can have an open container regardless of what surrounds them. This statue has been changed in the entire state of Florida
o There is a new development at The Bluffs – This is a huge project on the east side of 331 south of Owls Head
o The floodgates are about to open – The new sewer line was paid for completely with developer fees and taxes. The new sewer main from Owls Head to River Walk will be finished by the end of the year.
o Also, the Car family has a project on 2000 acres.
o The new wastewater plant is due to be completed in the summer. It will process 1.5 million gallons per day. This will change everything on 331
o There will be service road connections all up and down 331 north so people can access the developments and commercial sites.
o Traffic signals at main entrances will limit the amount of access due to the designation of DOT.
o All will be walkable with very wide multi-access paths much bigger than Hammock Bay.
o The city has received over 30 million in grant funding for infrastructure because we have a city council that believes in economic development. They are allowing their team to plan far into the future to make sure we have the infrastructure.
o Construction for Marquis Way – we are finalizing the development agreement with the property owner in December. Plans are being drawn up and the city will own the roadway. The County is partnering – you will be able to get to Publix and 331 without ever having to be on hwy20
o One west bay Loop they will be installing a light – not sure if it will be county or city yet.

October 2022 Meeting Minutes

Freeport Merchants Association
Meeting Minutes
October 20th, 2022

Present:
Chase Barfield
Ethan Barfield
Yolanda Ellis
Aaron Ellis
Bill Blanken
Amber Williams
Nanci Spears
Josh Spears
Sam Gipson
Marion Brooks

Next meeting: September 15th, 2022, 8:00am, Blount House

1. Announcements

• Current Membership Total: 97 Members

• Current account balance: $8,646.66

• Expenses:

  o Membership works, Food for Meeting, Snyder app, Shirts, Night Out For Freeport Check

  Events Committee:

• Evening Social Updates:
  o November – Freeport Flooring o December – Sports to Geaux o January – Cara Griffith

• Looking towards Night Out For Freeport 2023: May 13th date for now we will open up nominations for Charities/non-profits – Local in Freeport on Dec. 1st.

  Voting until Jan 1 – Then decide. This will give ample time to get with them to market etc.

  Marion: Next year in September for Sponsorship and tables info to come: Cause: Charity for Malformation – they do a walk every September 3-4 Saturday all across America.

  An Evening Social can be as elaborate or simple as you want, a presentation for your business.

  Membership Committee:

  New Members:

  • Resort Resale Furniture and Consignment

• Hello Neighbor

• VFW Post 3447 – only one in Walton County: Open to the public Fridays and Saturdays –

  Bands and food trucks. If a Veteran you can become a member.

• Repicci’s – Marion Brooks – Italian Ice, Sorbet, Gelato food truck. Moved down from Atlanta. Amber also is doing a fantastic job with FMA social media

General Topics:

• We are working on making the FMA website the focal point for Freeport. If anyone is wondering what is going on in Freeport, send them to the FMA site Calendar https://thefma.online/events?view=calendar&month=11-2022

o If someone wants to submit an event, go to Thefma.online Under “Events” there is a link to submit and it will send it to Amber

o All citizens of Freeport are welcome to submit their events by the 15th of the previous month – no advertising, no politics, just Freeport Information and Events

• We have had compliments on our newsletter

• Redirect any complaints to president@thefma.online

• Owls Head:

o Right on the corner of old and new HWY 331 there is a sign that says “Commercial Available” This sign is not valid. Tom Watson, their CEO traded the land to the city. It was an 80-acre parcel traded for future Water/Sewage of equivalent value. They are discussing a variety of options for the land.

• FHS 2022-2023 Sponsorship opportunity:

o An email was sent out. They are asking for pre-game meals for the soccer team. You can pay someone else to cook and get the credit. “Sponsor a meal”. A lot of times you will get a discount and a shoutout on social media.

• Mentoring Emerald Coast:

o Program was started back in 2009 – pairs you up with those seeking to learn what you do.
o 10-month program where a mentor and mentee.
o Contact Gabriel and they will pair you with a proper mentee – there are requirements. You will go through a program to be trained and understand how much time is spent and how to spend the time and best practices of the Chamber. o You meet with your mentee at least once per month.
o This is one of the largest programs in the state.

Open Discussion:
• Partially constructed strip mall by the carwash on HWY 20

o They went Bankrupt
o Chase reached out, they said the son would contact him. 6+ weeks ago and still no call.
o The contractor they were using up and left as they didn’t have funds to finish building it out.
o The investors are not wanting to sink more money in and there are now legal issues.
o Chase contacted the head developer – still waiting on a follow-up call. Knowing they are in financial trouble, sometimes instead of bankruptcy, they will sell it for whatever they have in it.

• Trunk or Treat on the 29th

o Hand out candy to kids
o At the Sports Complex

September 2022 Meeting Minutes

Freeport Merchants Association
Meeting Minutes
September 15th, 2022

Present:
Chase Barfield
Ethan Barfield
Yolanda Ellis
Aaron Ellis
Bill Blanken
Lori Logue
Nanci Spears
Josh Spears
Chris Cordt.
Amber Williams

Next meeting: September 15th, 2022, 8:00am, Blount House

1. Announcements

• Current Membership Total: 92 Members

• Current account balance: $7,655.89

• Expenses:

o Membership works, Signer App – Quick Books, Blueberry Bakery, Chec to RISE For June Event

Events Committee:

• Evening Social Updates:

o October: Freeport Flooring

o November: Servpro

o December: Sports To Geaux

• For the 2023 Evening Out For Freeport – we are working on an earlier date soits not so hot

• Marion is working with a national Charity – Asked for support next September.

• October 29th Trunk and Treat at the Sports Complex

Membership Committee:

New Members:

• Freeport Planning and Zoning

• Fresh Prints of Freeport – they will do our t-shirts going forward

General Topics:

• Hwy 331 and 20 Corridor Overlay District:

o Essentially they want to do an overlay district where they tightly control the types of businesses that can be put there.

o No Amusement Parks, No golf, no equipment rentals, no car dealer ships, etc. in this district

• There have been 10K houses approved in Freeport at 2.5 persons per that is over 25K people coming in.

• Hammock Bay will not stop development for another 9 years.

• Econo Lodge has been approved

• Marquis Way:

o It will go down marquis Way towards LaGrange Landing and then cut out and go next to it between there and Riverwalk. It will go over the creek and come out where the old shipyard was.

o ETA: They already have the finds and are in the planning stages

Open Discussion:

• Calendar:

o There is a place on the website to submit your events. And encourage others to do so.

o FMA will be the Hub for Events and Freeport Information

o We are running FB adds to sign up for the Newsletter

o Bill will go out every month to city hall to see what they have going on. All City Events will be added to the calendar

• New Social Media Management Volunteer: Amber Williams of Repicci’s!

August 2022 Meeting Minutes

Freeport Merchants Association
Meeting Minutes
August 18th, 2022

Present:
Chase Barfield
Ethan Barfield
Yolanda Ellis
Aaron Ellis
Bill Blanken
Lori Logue
Nanci Spears
Josh Spears
Sam Gipson
Marion Gipson
Rebecca Ison
Clayton Hicks

Next meeting: August 18th, 2022, 8:00am, Blount House

1. Announcements

• Current Membership Total: 91 Members

• Current account balance: $13,021.69

• Expenses:

o Membership works, Food for Meeting, Snyder app

Events Committee:

• Evening Social Updates:

o August Social was canceled – the host was out of town and all the back-to-school madness

o September: Bill and Odd Pelican – at Odd Pelican Brewery

o October: Freeport Flooring

o November and on is open

An Evening Social can be as elaborate or simple as you want, a presentation for your business.

Membership Committee:

New Members:

• The Savage Project

• Westbrook Insurance Agency

• Serve Pro

General Topics:

• Mayor Russ Date of the City Address:

o 10,636 people in Freeport

o Added 1898 new water and sewer customers

o Budget for 2021-22 = $22M

o American Bearings company – 100 years old from CA – Government Contractor

average 50 employees is coming to Freeport with 20 Employees – they will hire the rest. 65k-100K per year starting wage. Current clients are Navy, Airforce, and NASA

o Mayor went to Springfield for the National City of the Year Award

o They passed “The Safe Route” to build sidewalks from the elementary school to 331/20 – slated for 2023 construction.

o Marquis Way Expansion – 3.1M acquired budget for the expansion

o And approved 1M for sewer installation down 331 corridor

• HWY 331 and 20 Corridor Overlay District:

o We are in data gathering mode

o The county had an informal meeting back in May

o They previously wanted to make every business do Monument Signs – we petitioned and got it shut down.

o Seems as though this is another “Scenic Initiative” to try to dictate what businesses can be on 331

o Will talk to Latilda and Meghan Harrison to find out more about what is going on

o Our concerns around this are that they are fast-tracking the approval of certain businesses to be on 331 and 20 and blocking other businesses. It seems as though they want more housing but to funnel the business and entertainment to the beach.

o There are 2 more meetings – 1 for those affected on 331 and 1 for those affected on 20

o We as a membership – the board and officers are here to serve you – We will go and fight according to the majority of people and commonly for the rights and freedoms of the merchants.

o Historically they have tried to incorporate Freeport to look and feel like Santa Rosa Beach

o Our biggest concern is them trying to dictate rules outside of the city to be applicable to businesses inside the city.

o 331 is a state road. The county does not have the right to dictate inside city limits.

o Freeport does not have much in the area of entertainment – part of the meeting they said they do not want to allow fun type entertainment businesses in Freeport. No Family Fun place – they want them to be prohibited.

Open Discussion:

• Magnolia Tribe Chiropractic:

o Ribbon Cutting in September – they moved to 227 Bay Grove Blvd. (near Signarama)

July 2022 Meeting Minutes

Freeport Merchants Association
Meeting Minutes
July 21st, 2022

Present:
Chase Barfield
Ethan Barfield
Yolanda Ellis
Aaron Ellis
Bill Blanken
Lori Logue
Nanci Spears
Josh Spears
Sam Gipson
Marion Gipson
Karissa Thompson
Rebecca Ison
Jamie Mcintoch
Mary Ambercrombie
Derek Hill
Alexis Billi
Clayton Hicks

Next meeting: August 18th, 2022, 8:00am, Blount House

1. Announcements

• Current Membership Total: 89 Members

• Current account balance: $12,110.56

• Expenses:

• Membership works, Band for event, Other supplies

Events Committee:

Evening Social Updates:

• August – Estelle’s Art Gallery

• September – Blanken Management and Old Pelican

• October, November, and December are open

Membership Committee:

New Members:

• The Savage Project

New Member packet presentations: 

• Freeport Flooring: They are making a community space – meeting space – TV for weekends

• TheRutile.com: On August 9th they are doing a Live Trunk Show – will be every Tuesday night on Facebook. The majority of pieces are 50-75% off!

• Karissa Thompson: Massage Therapist working out of Freeport Family Chiropractic – Offers 45min sessions for target areas, hour, hour and a half and 2-hour sessions. She is available Monday – Friday while kids are in school. May add weekends

• Mary Ambercrombie w/ Mitchell Land and Title: Real estate settlements – buy/sell/refinance – help with all. Very hands-on with their clients. Also, offer surveys and assessments. 2 underwriters where most only have one. Also if you want to drop off your business card/info packets, they have created a space for all merchants so they can suggest to their clients.

General Topics:

Certificate from President of Rotary – They did a donation to the Polio Plus Fund in name of the FMA for $50.

Freeport Cheerleaders presented an Opportunity for Businesses to advertise in the football program. 

Open Discussion:

• Mayors Ball October 18th – raises funds for local neighbors in need.

• Most of the money is used for Christmas for kids – tree, decorations, gifts.

• There will be a silent auction.

• Sponsors can opt-in to be included in the swag bags, put on the website, etc.

• General admission is $40 each, $100 for Social Media Shoutout.

• The band Clinch 46 is playing again this year.

• Theme is Black and White with Glitter Gold

Bill Blanken – Food For Thought… They are a non-profit that has the Insufficient Food Program for Freeport.

• Currently, there are 189 kids in elementary school, 87 in middle school, and 100 in the high school

  • On Fridays, they get a bag of food to feed them for the week.

They are looking for Drivers! 

• To pick up bags on Thursday and bring to schools on Friday

  • Pick up is in Miriam of 393

Skippers sold to Family Dollar/Dollar Tree – They close on 8/18 and construction starts on 8/19 

June 2022 Meeting Minutes

Freeport Merchants Association
Meeting Minutes
June 9th, 2022

Present:
Chase Barfield
Ethan Barfield
Yolanda Ellis
Aaron Ellis
Bill Blanken
Lori Logue
Nanci Spears
Josh Spears
Sam Gipson
Amelia Beard
Karissa Thompson
Adrienne Reilly
Rebecca Ison
Mary Ambercrombie
Derek Hill

Next meeting: July 14th, 2022, 8:00am, Blount House

1. Announcements

• Current Membership Total: 89 Members

• Current account balance: $7848.52

• Expenses:

o P.O. Box, FB Ads, Event Expenses, Shirts, Website Hosting

Events Committee:

June – no social – instead we have Night Out for Freeport – all info on website – sponsorship etc.

https://thefma.online/events/2nd-annual-night-out-for-freeport

• Night Out For Freeport – 6/18/2022 4PM – 8PM

• 20 Vendor Booths so far, lots of silent auction items, Cert Emergency response to do security, Signarama donated the event Banner,7:30Pm for the Auction, Punch cards – to win Basket with FMA members donated items.

• Hosts for Upcoming Socials:

o July - Smart Green Clean

o August – Estelle Studio & Gallery

o September – Blanken Management

o October is Open

• New Members will be welcomed in July! Please attend Julys meeting to receive your New Member Packet and take some photos with new and current members.

• Please be sure to follow BOTH Facebook pages to stay in the loop and see what current members hate to offer. Mare sure you are on both – Member Page and Community Page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/660122681333148

https://www.facebook.com/FreeportMerchantAssociation

Membership Committee:

New Members:

• Abide Coffee, DR Horton, Hillary Pierson, Keller Williams, PC’s Italian Ice, Freeport Massage, Odd Pelican, The Rutile LTD, Freeport Flooring, Mitchell Land and Title

• Carissa Thompson – Massage therapist – Jennifer Laird has office upstairs that she is working from.

• Rebecca Ison – The Rutile LTD – Ecommerce Jewelry – no overhead savings past on to you.

Custom Jewelry design and creation. www.therutile.com

• Freeport Flooring – Derek and Clayton – building their location behind Taco bell – a current warehouse on Bay Grove road off 331. www.freeportflooring.us

• Mary Ambercrombie – Mitchell Land and Title – Shared office space with Studio Panache

Guest Speaker: Amelia Beard w/Moorhead Law

Offices in Santa Rosa Beach and Pensacola. Real estate Development and litigation, Closing commercial and Residential, Estate Planning.

Discussed the importance of Estate Planning. It’s not just at Death – there is so much to do before death. You want to care about how you are treated prior to death. Advanced Directives – very important documents that deal with incapacity – someone who can make decisions for you if you can’t. A living will – Power of attorney – Health Care. Make sure assets are title properly. It you want will and probate as most fall in this category. Some should have a trust. – A Trust has to do with the age of children and health, not wealth

General Topics:

Chase:

• Gov. DeSantis directed 3.2M to the Shoal River Ranch (Florida’s Gigasite). They are a 10,000-acre place in Okaloosa – starting as an industrial complex. Expands both sides of I-10 towards Crestview. https://www.florida-edc.org/okaloosa-county/available-properties/landing-pages/shoal-river-ranch-gigasite

o How do we get funding and promotion for our own industrial complex(s)

o We have everything the Gigasite is going to have – fiber optic, gas, etc. and an industrial park with open space.

• Big uptick in memberships due to the 2nd Night Out...

• Stopped FB ads for the moment because of uptick – there is such an influx of organic media due to the event. Will turn the ads back on after the event.

Open Discussion:

This Saturday at the VFW – retirement ceremony – commander got pulled away – I am senior vice commander – any flags that need to be retired – ceremonial burn – doing it this weekend.

Reach out to Bill

May 2022 Meeting Minutes

Freeport Merchants Association
Meeting Minutes
May 19th, 2022

Present:
Chase Barfield 
Ethan Barfield 
Yolanda Ellis 
Bill Blanken 
Lori Logue 
Nanci Spears 
Josh Spears 
Marion Gipson
Sam Gipson 

Next meeting: July 21st, 2022, 8:00am, Blount House

1. Announcements 

• Current Membership Total: 79 Members

• Current account balance: $5155.67 

• Expenses:

  • FB Ads, Renewed PO box, event supplies, Membership Works

Events Committee: 

June – no social – instead we have Night Out for Freeport – all info on website – sponsorship etc. https://thefma.online/events/2nd-annual-night-out-for-freeport 

• Benefits local charity – RISE Animal Refuge

• 5-8 Band Shenanigans

• Children's activities, bounce house, food trucks, vendor booths, Swag Bags, 50/50 raffle, Silent Auction, etc. 

 July needs a host for the Social – July 14th 
August – Estelle Gallery – August 11th 
September and forward are open as well for Social hosts. 

New Members: 

• Mitchell land and title

• Rutile LTD

• 3 Hammers Electrical

General Topics: 

• FMA asked to come to speak at the Rotary meeting – Thursday, June 23rd @ café 20

• Tim Corzene – contacted me – represents Thompson Thrift – a developer. Apartments, Townhomes, and Single-Family Homes. Already building in other parts of Florida – they wanted to know more about Freeport
  - I spent an hour discussing what was going on here. He was going to have his team come meet with Latilda. I suggested they think about doing some affordable housing. We need houses 200-250K. or apartments 750Mo.

• Last meeting city came and talked with us about the 4th or July – IF you want to apply to be in the parade go to the website: https://www.freeportflorida.gov/community/page/2022-parade-information

Open Discussion: 

• Steamboat landing – selling lots and building houses
  - Have not been able to go to the pier, docks, or boardwalk. They are clearing all of that and we are not aware if they will allow our fobs to work again or not. 

April 2022 Meeting Minutes

Freeport Merchants Association
Meeting Minutes
April 21st, 2022

Present:
Chase Barfield 
Ethan Barfield 
Yolanda Ellis 
Aaron Ellis 
Bill Blanken 
Lori Logue 
Nanci Spears 
Marion Gipson
Sam Gipson 

Next meeting: May 19th, 2022, 8:00am, Blount House

1. Announcements 

• Current Membership Total: 54 Active

• Studio Panache: Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting – Saturday April 30th

Events Committee:

• Host for May 12th is Josh with Flex Fitness – at the Hammock Bay Clubhouse

• June Social – no social as we will be having the “Night out for Freeprot”

• July Social is open to Host.

  • The Hammock Bay Clubhouse is always reserved for the FMA on the 2nd Tuesday of every month.

  • You are welcome to host somewhere else – Public places only

Membership Committee: 

Bill: Will notify members of new members and what they do 

Marion: Will present New Member Packets 

General Topics: 

 We had a table at the Egg Drop – In the future we will have a tent, chairs, and new signage 

Open Discussion: 

• Trinity Gilbert – 15 years old and becoming the leader in the state position. She was elected out of all the teenagers in Florida to become the President-Elect.

• 4th of July Parade – Businesses can join the parade for free.

  • Monday the 4th at 4pm

  • 30K worth of Fireworks

  • On the Website under Community – Parade info

March 2022 Meeting Minutes

Freeport Merchants Association
Meeting Minutes
March 17th, 2022

Present:
Chase Barfield 
Ethan Barfield 
Yolanda Ellis 
Aaron Ellis 
Bill Blanken 
Lori Logue 
Nanci Spears 
Josh Spears 
Marion Gipson
Sam Gipson 

Next meeting: April 21st, 2022, 8:00am, Blount House

1. Announcements 

• Current Membership Total: 74 members 54 Active

• Current account balance: $4656.62

• Expenses:

  • Membership Works, Snyder app, QuickBooks, Insurance for “Night out” – Special Event Insurance

• Events Committee:

  • Evening Social April 14th – Shine on Living – The clubhouse with Keith and Melissa Miller From 6-8

  • May Social Host needed

  • FMA 2nd Annual Night Out For Freeport – 6/18/2022. 3:00- 8:00pm. Location TBA

Membership Committee: 

 3 New Members: Panhandle Bear, Studio Panache, Veratos Restorations
- Studio Panache would like a Grand Opening – Ribbon Cutting on April 30th 

General Topics: 

• Increase FB Followers
  - Chase and Ethan can significantly increase followers to 10-20k for $150 

• Feature a business 2 times a week on Tuesday and Thursday

  • On our Facebook page we can rotate our membership 2 x per week.

  • New members would be put in front and then added to the rotation

  • Adds more value

  • Brings more people to the page

• Possible paid ads for Businesses $5

Possible increase of dues from $100 to $125 to help with new member 

Open Discussion: 

• JNS is accepting new clients for bookkeeping accounting payroll CFO services and bothbusiness and personal taxes

• Sports to Geaux has taken over the Freeport little league concession stand and will bedonating a LARGE sum of the proceeds back to the organization so stop by and supportthem all Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday at the sports complex

February 2022 Meeting Minutes

Freeport Merchants Association
Meeting Minutes
February 17th, 2022

Present:
Ethan Barfield 
Yolanda Ellis 
Aaron Ellis 
Bill Blanken 
Lori Logue 
Nanci Spears 
Josh Spears 
Marion Gipson
Sam Gipson 

Next meeting: March 17th, 2022, 8:00am, Blount House

1. Announcements 

• Current Membership Total: 54 Active

• Current account balance: $4215.37

• Expenses:

  • Sq Space, membership Works

• Events Committee:

  • This weekend is the RISE Animal Refuge Event – Friday and Saturday Night

  • February 10th will be hosted by Gibson Commercial Solutions @ the Hammock Bay Clubhouse from 6-9pm

  • March – Angie with Puppies to Guppies – possibly

    - All socials need to be held at public facilities going forward.

  • Thank you to Marian and Sam – Social was fun, we had new people attend.

  • March 10th – Angie with Puppies to Guppies – Hammock Bay Clubhouse

  • April 14th – we need a sponsor – The clubhouse is Reserved – can be at another facility

  • May 14th is the FMA Fundraiser so we won’t have a social that month

    • Kate has welcomed us to have the even there again – fine as long as we are not responsible for any fines. She expects the Bistro to be open mid April

     We can have it there for now as we think of backups. 

Membership Committee: 

• Bill – Working on a few new members – Brewery, Crosspoint 

• Westonwood Ranch has their Rodeo coming up on the 25th and 26th – Sponsorship info to be sent out 

General Topics: 

Action Plan – Confirm or edit for accuracy

Open Discussion: 

Josh: 

• We need a social medial person – a volunteer 

• More people at meetings – josh will personally call members to remind and invite them to the meeting. 

Marion: 

• What about a membership Drive? 

• Create a membership Packet 

• New color for Shirts - Grey 

January 2022 Meeting Minutes

Freeport Merchants Association
Meeting Minutes
January 20th, 2022

Present:
Chase Barfield. 
Ethan Barfield 
Yolanda Ellis 
Aaron Ellis 
Bill Blanken 
Lori Logue 
Nanci Spears 
Josh Spears 
Keith Miller 
Marion Gipson
Sam Gipson 

Next meeting: February 17th, 2022, 8:00am, Blount House

1. Announcements 

• Current Membership Total: 72

• Current account balance: $4264.57

• Expenses:

  • Synder App, Membership Works, Publix

    - We are officially a 501c6

• Events Committee:

  • This weekend is the RISE Animal Refuge Event – Friday and Saturday Night

  • February 10th will be hosted by Gibson Commercial Solutions @ the Hammock Bay Clubhouse from 6-9pm

  • March – Angie with Puppies to Guppies – possibly

    - All socials need to be held at public facilities going forward.

2. General Topics 

Overall Objectives:

• Reach 100 members 

  More people at the morning meetings

  • Guest Speakers

  • City to come inform what’s coming

  • Chase - Latilda agrees to share month;y what is in the works

  • Nanci - possibly a different topic each month

  • Make the FMA a central spot for information. Website - events around Freeport

  • Monthly Newsletter

Open Discussion: 

Lori - Do we want to form a coalition with other non-profits that serve Freeport? 

• Work with them to coordinate events so they are not at the same time. 

• Quarterly meetings with other Non-profits 

Lori to brainstorm, send out email about the idea and Start a spreadsheet. 

November 2021 Meeting Minutes

Freeport Merchants Association
Meeting Minutes
November 18th, 2021

Present:
Chase Barfield. 
Ethan Barfield 
Yolanda Ellis 
Aaron Ellis 
Bill Blanken 
Gabriel Kilgore 
Lori Logue 
Jill Tanner 
Betsy Steinbaum 
Nanci Spears 
Josh Spears 
Keith Miller 

Next meeting: December 16th, 2021, 8:00am, Blount House

1. Announcements 

• Current Membership Total: 70 – Active 52 

• Current account balance: $3859.75

• Expenses:

  • Monthly Membership Works Fee

  • Invoice: Moorhead Law – Legal work

  • QuickBooks Transfer app

    - IRS: Final Approval letter for 501c6 should arrive in the next 2 weeks

  • All Dues will be tax-deductible
    ▪ Members will receive a donation letter at the end of the year

• Events Committee:

  • No December Social due to how busy it is. If someone wants to discuss hosting one, contact Lori Logue

  • January 6th will be hosted by Angie Veno with Puppies to Guppies

  • February 3rd will be host4ed by Gibson Commercial Solutions

  • For March forward, reach out to Lori Logue
    ▪ With hosting, you get to showcase and share about your business – everyone focused on you

    ▪ It’s a great time for members and non-members to socialize outside of business

    ▪ Usually, 2-3 hours with the host providing food and drinks – alcohol is optional

2. General Topics 

Chase: 

• IRS Notifications: Not sure if anyone has received Notifications going out saying your badness taxes are late. IRS is backed up for 2 years. Letters are going out automatically - If you get a notice and you were on time, contact your accountant and CPA as well as your Congressman. Ours is Mat Gates 

Nanci:

• Part of changing to a nonprofit means we have to do our Bylaws to submit to the state and the IRS. With this, we will be doing elections for the Board members and Officers.

  Terms are 2 years for Officers and 3 Years for Board Members.

  The election will be in January – An email will go out with the nominees with a 2-week period for those to respond with objections. If no objections, we will announce the Officers and Board at the January meeting.

  Make sure your Member Profile has “Best Email” 

October 2021 Meeting Minutes

Freeport Merchants Association
Meeting Minutes
October 21st, 2021

Present:

Chase Barfield
Ethan Barfield
Yolanda Ellis
Aaron Ellis
Bill Blanken
Gabriel Kilgore
Lori Logue
Jill Tanner
Betsy Steinbaum
Nanci Spears
Keith Miller

Next meeting: November 18th, 2021, 8:00am, Blount House

1. Announcements

• Current Membership Total: 64

• Current account balance: $3654.00 • Expenses:

  o Blue Host – web hosting for website

  o Food for meeting

• Events Committee:

o November Evening Social – Thursday November 4th from 5:30-8:00 pm Hosted by Moorhead Law Group

o No December Social due to how busy it is. If someone wants to discuss hosting one, contact Lori Logue

o January will be hosted by Angie Veno with Puppies to Guppies
o We can book Socials from February – Reach out to Lori or Kaylee

• With hosting, you get to showcase and share about your business – everyone focused on you

• It’s a great time for members and non-members to socialize outside of business

• Usually, 2-3 hours with the host providing food and drinks – alcohol is optional

• Membership Committee:
o New Member: RISE Animal Refuge

• RiseAnimalRefuge.org

2. General Topics

- City Council Meeting Update – Cara Attended
o There is a new Wastewater Treatment Plant going in on 20 between 331 and the

bridge.
o Freeport got “City of The Year”

- Friends of Freeport Library – Lori Logue
o Location has been approved – right behind the current library
o Meeting with Architects – want to make beautiful and community oriented
o Current building is metal so it cant be built onto
o Working on getting in on City council agenda to figure out what the city is also doing as everything needs to tie in and coordinate

o Library is in need of a secretary on the board

• Meet once per month

• Secretary would prepare Agenda and Meeting minutes

o The library does a lot more than most people know.

• They check out laptops

• Offer internet and computers there for use

• The new library will have tools – drills etc. that can be checked out with books on how to use the tools

• They offer online language education

• They want to be a resource, not just a place to check out books

o In order to stay in regulations, their current building is 1⁄2 the sized it needs to be now.

- Guest Speaker: Terry Mauer of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

o The SBDC offers services at no cost to current small business owners and prospective small business owners

Small business consulting
Help with launching and growth Business Plans loan packages Licensing and Permitting

They understand the importance of small business and want to provide support in any way they can. No matter how simple – a phone call with a question to starting and growing your business, no matter the size or scope, they are available to help.

For more information, Go to: https://sbdc.uwf.edu/
Process to sign up: fill out a form – Request for consulting. It takes about a minute

Reach out to Terry directly:
Cell Phone – Text or Call 812.717.0079
Email: tmauer@ufw.edu

September 2021 Meeting Minutes

Freeport Merchants Association
Meeting Minutes
September 16, 2021

Present:
Chase Barfield
Ethan Barfield
Yolanda Ellis
Aaron Ellis
Bill Blanken
Gabriel Kilgore
Josh Spears
Lori Logue
Jill Tanner
Betsy Steinbaum

Next meeting: October 21st, 2021, 8:00am, Blount House

1.) Announcements

 Current Membership Total: 56

 Current account balance: $3,167.20

 Expenses:

• $29.00 – Membership Works

 Event Committee:

• October Social: Thursday, October 7th, 6:00pm-8:00pm - Sponsored by Westonwood Ranch

 Membership Committee:

• Bill is working on A-Superior and Crosspoint for memberships.

2.) General Discussion

501c6 Transition and By-Laws:

• As we formalize and are recognized by the IRS as a 501c6 we have to conduct Official Meetings and have Official By-Laws that withstand legal ad council scrutiny.

• We need to set time limits for Officers.

• 12-month term for Officers - We need to have term limits for Board Members.

• 3 year term for Board Members - Officers will be nominated by the Board.

• Members will have 2 weeks to oppose - Board Members will be elected my Membership.

  Chase will send the above to Amelia to modify the By-Laws

FMA Board Exchange

• We will have a seat on the Walton County Chamber Board and they will have a seat on the FMA board. - Both seats are non-voting seats.

• We will do a probationary 1-year seat to see if the reciprocal agreement is beneficial and if so it will convert into a 3-year term.

FMA will sponsor VFW Golf Outing on October 3th

• Held at Eagles Nest Golf Course Defuniak Springs

Mayors Ball

• October 16th at the Bay Club - Tickets are $30 each or 2 for $50

• Food, cash bar, and silent auction: – money goes to underprivileged children of Freeport.

• Corporate Sponsorship = $300 for a table – 8 entry tickets and 16 drink tickets.

August 2021 Meeting Minutes

Freeport Merchants Association
Meeting Minutes
August 19th, 2021

Present:
Chase Barfield
Ethan Barfield
Yolanda Ellis
Bill Blanken
Gabrielle Kilgore
Donald Toler

Next meeting: August 16th, 2021, 8:00am, Blount House

1.) Announcements

Current Membership Total: 49

Current account balance: $5487.40

Expenses:

• $17.49 - 331 Market

• $20.21 – Publix

• $29.00 – Membership works

• $240.00 – debit adjustment from Trustmark

• $19.99 Synder App

 Event Committee:

• September Social Thursday, September 2nd 6:00 – 8:00

  Sponsored by Westonwood Ranch – 4390 Hwy 20 Freeport 32439

 Membership Committee:

• New Members:

  Signarama

  James Sader – State Farm Insurance

  Gabrielle Kilgore – Walton Chamber of Commerce

2.) General Discussion

• We need two people to go to council meetings to get info on upcoming changes.

• Cefco is going in by Taco Bell

• We will double population in 4-5 years

• FMA Attorney: Amelia Beard - She is our attorney now as we are going through the steps to be 501c6 compliant

July 2021 Meeting Minutes

Freeport Merchants Association
Meeting Minutes
July 22nd, 2021

Present:
Chase Barfield
Ethan Barfield
Yolanda Ellis
Aaron Ellis
Bill Blanken
CJ Chonbeck
Kelly Cash
Anna Bonner
Lori Logue

Next meeting: August 19th, 2021, 8:00am, Blount House

1.) Announcements

 Current Membership Total: 45

 Current account balance: $4303.00

 Expenses:

• $39.87 Publics

• $4.99 GoDaddy – removed going forward

 Event Committee:

• We raised a little over $2000 - $2400 – final total is still not in as we are waiting on 2 checks in the P.O box

• Need a second P.O box key – Chase will follow up on checks and get key in someone else’s hands to be able to check mail

 Membership Committee:

• New Member: Westonwood Ranch – Kelly Cash and Anna Bonner

- Nonprofit that provides life skills, job skills, social skills, and job training for teens and adults with autism and others differently abled

- They are looking for businesses who are willing to hire and allow them to come in and shadow

- Looking for those who would like to come to them and interview, share your knowledge and skills and work with them

2.) General Discussion

Referring Service Providers:

• Hammock Bay Facebook Group, Next Door – people are constantly asking for what they need.

• Those of us who are in the Hammock Bay group can monitor and refer members of the FMA as well as note those businesses that are not yet in the FMA, send them to Bill and he can work on bringing them into the membership

• Lori will monitor Next Door for the same.

Utilizing Bing as well as Google:

• Google has many search restrictions. Bing does not and posting on Bing will also populate Yahoo and Duck Duck Go.

• Example: If someone searched Freeport Chamber, we could have that term

• Chase will look into developing search terms, create the verbiage, and send out to see if anyone is opposed.

• Members should register their business on Bing even if it’s a home-based business.

• Bing also gives points for using their search that you can trade for gift cards.

Facebook:

• We can target very well where people live – people within 20 miles of Freeport

• Advertise something along the lines of “If your looking from someone local…”. Chase will create some verbiage and ask for input edits

For our Members Businesses:

• Bill Suggests – we go to Google and write a review. With this, when people search for your type of business, you will come up higher in the search

• On Facebook as well, add a review as well as liking and sharing each other’s posts.

June 2021 Meeting Minutes

Freeport Merchants Association

Meeting Minutes

June 17th, 2021

Present:

Chase Barfield.
Ethan Barfield
Yolanda Ellis
Aaron Ellisl
Bill Blanken
Jill Tanner
Mirek Wilczak

Next meeting: July 22nd , 2021, 8:00am, Blount House

1. Announcements

 Current Membership Total: 44

• Previous number was total members including some non paid / renewed

 Current account balance: $4044.33

 Expenses:

• $68.00 (membership works platform, Godaddy – Domain, Synder app)

 Membership Committee:

• The library fundraiser was a success.

• We raised a little over $2000

• Vendors want to do it again and lock in their spots for the next event.

• Going forward – We will pick a different charity each year. We will comprise a list by December and then vote in January.

The name of the event will be “A Night Out for Freeport”

 Membership Committee:

• New Member: Mirek Wilczak – Personal Trainer

• Bill is working on Westwood Ranch

• Requirements for membership: one of the following must be in place…

 Business owner lives in Freeport

 Has a business in Freeport

 Substantially supports commerce in Freeport

 Business Checklist Program:

- Topics already volunteered for and cover by:

• Legal: Laura Patel-Klang

• Financial: Bill Blanken

• Technical Infrastructure: Ethan Barfield

• Culture Development: Aaron Ellis.

- Topics Needing Volunteers:

• Accounting
• Insurance
• Marketing
• Sales
• Location

Jill Tanner and Yolanda Ellis will be organizing this program.

 July Social:

• This month, due to the first Thursday falling on the 1st day of the month and 4th of July weekend, the social will be the 2nd Thursday July 8th

• We still need a host.

2. Discussion

• FMA and Walton Country Chamber potentially joining forces

 Bill Blanken has been cultivating the relationship

 As Chase meets with them and establishes if this is the move to make, it will be brought up for a vote.

 501c6 Transition:

• There will be By-laws drawn up by end of the year

• Up until now, officers have been appointed

• Officers will need to be voted in – we will have nominations submitted near the end of this year to elect the officers to run the FMA next year.