Executive Director of "The Beach"

**Aggie** · 03-09-2008, 01:28 PM

There is an advertisement in the Daily News today for an Executive Director for "the beach" .. based on the posts in SoWal, there should be a lot of people showing interest for it. With the TDC Executive Director vacancy (blue signs) and the beach Executive Director (orange beach), it will be interesting to see who is hired for these positions. Will they be filled by people living and working in Walton County, people living in the general Emerald Coast area, or from outside paradise?

**BeachSiO2** · 03-09-2008, 04:22 PM

I would be surprised if the TDC position would be filled by anyone local since it wasn't last time. I heard they are conducting a national search. They would probably want someone with TDC/CVB experience also.

**incredible1** · 03-09-2008, 07:57 PM

Hard to believe there is not local talent here. Plenty of people have come to this area who have been part of corporate america

Why not transfer that here?

**scooterbug44** · 03-10-2008, 08:09 AM

I think a local in that position would be a nice change - maybe they'd be a little more in tune so we wouldn't have any blue& orange snafu repeats!

Gotta be a realtor or former St. Joe employee with some extra free time around here somewhere!

**DuneLaker** · 03-10-2008, 09:18 AM

A local would be a nice change. I don't care how much "professional" experience they have, a local would add some missing depth in promoting the more unique and fabulous aspects of Walton County. Just don't need someone from the outside pr firm the TDC uses. Last time their pr exec spoke here (as in South Walton) they said they were glad to be in "DESTIN" AAARGHHH!!!! How can they promote us if they don't really understand who and where we are.

**BeachSiO2** · 03-10-2008, 09:35 AM

I was not saying that I didn't think it wouldn't be open to everyone here too. I was just saying that it is a big job and I thought it would pique interest locally and nationally so it is worth seeing the available employees anywhere. It will be interesting to see how many apply locally though.

**scooterbug44** · 03-10-2008, 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by DuneLaker

A local would be a nice change. I don't care how much "professional" experience they have, a local would add some missing depth in promoting the more unique and fabulous aspects of Walton County. How can they promote us if they don't really understand who and where we are?

Very good points!

**seagrovegirl** · 03-10-2008, 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

Very good points!

Agreed!! Very well said..

Beaches of SW attract people for many reasons, and usually Sowal is a lasting preference due to the refreshing attitude of the locals. We have yet to be run over by blatant commercialism....but the big blue signs are the beginning....and gasp...promoted by our very own TDC. It is sooo out of touch. TDC directors are appointed by the commission? Not sure, but if they are, it's time for house cleaning and new directors.

**Aggie** · 03-10-2008, 10:21 PM

The Executive Director of the TDC reports directly to the Walton County Board of Commissioners and is hired.

The Tourist Development Council members are nominated by the council and then approved (or rejected) by the Walton County Board of Commissioners.

**seagrovegirl** · 03-11-2008, 08:56 AM

Originally Posted by Aggie

The Executive Director of the TDC reports directly to the Walton County Board of Commissioners and is hired.

The Tourist Development Council members are nominated by the council and then approved (or rejected) by the Walton County Board of Commissioners.

Thank you............

It's time to lobby our commissioners for new blood at the TDC table.

**reddsings** · 03-13-2008, 03:46 PM

I am shuddering at all of this.

One of the reasons for leaving Key West and the Keys was :
4 lane road expansion
New Tourist push to detriment of locals
Gated communities
Public access to the water
Squeezing locals out to build condos
Demolition of landmarks
Alteration of landmarks
Signage Explosion
Replaced lighting
Cameras (government not security)
Increased taxes (to pay for the "improvements")
Increased insurance rates

Any of these points sound familiar to this area?