Bay County’s Best Returns: Spotlight Series Second Edition

Whether it’s a local entrepreneur making waves, or a resident who goes above and beyond, this series is dedicated to showcasing the heart and soul of Bay County. Join us as we highlight the people and passions that drive our community forward, making Bay County not just a destination, but a place to call home.

Aimee Bright, Vice President Strategic Partnerships, Bay County Chamber of Commerce

1. What’s a wild idea you have for a future community project? I don’t know if this is really a wild idea, but my family loves museums. Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a really big, family friendly museum in our area? Some of my family’s best memories are ones where we have explored different museums all over the world. From the International Towing Museum in Chattanooga to the War Memorial of Korea and everything in between, we’ve explored so many fun and interesting museums. If you are a museum fan, I’d love to know which are your favorites.

2. What’s something about you that might surprise people? I do yoga almost every day. Yin yoga is my favorite, (that’s the kind that you hold stretches for sometimes up to 5 minutes, yes really.). It’s a great way to unwind, quiet your mind, and improve flexibility. 

3. What’s your go-to source of inspiration when you need a boost? Music!! I enjoy most genres of music depending on the mood or the moment. Whether it’s background music to help me focus in the office, (the Chamber’s Legislative Agenda doesn’t write itself!!), a great workout playlist, or tunes for a road trip, the hardest part is choosing what to listen to.

4. If you had to describe our community in three words (or one quote), what would they/it be? Resilient, Patriotic and Generous

5. What is one thing you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet? I still have not traveled to Europe.  My husband and I were planning a trip for our 2oth anniversary, but we got to PCS to Alabama instead. Then we thought we’d go for our 25^th anniversary, but we had two children in college that year, so we put it off again. One of these days we will get there, but I don’t think we will plan it on a big anniversary year, that seems to jinx it!!

Marcia Croom, Communication and Outreach Specialist, Gulf coast Sexual Assault Program

1. If you could pick up one skill or hobby instantly, what would it be? I’d pick up the skill of teleportation. Just think of the possibilities: instant vacation, showing up at your favorite restaurant just in time for dessert or avoiding traffic. Wouldn’t everyone LOVE to avoid the 10 months of in season traffic!?!

2. What’s something everyone should know about our community? Bay County is a smorgasbord of natural beauty, outdoor adventures and a little southern charm sprinkled in. Whether it is our beautiful beaches, the scenic trails, local parks or the booming cultural events, if you are looking you can find something to do. We don’t have a “big city” vibe of activities but Bay County’s creativity shines bright and speaks my language!

3. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? There is one quote I love and utilize in my life. “If you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got.” I was a very shy child up through high school and into college. After graduation I moved to NC and knew only 1 person so I had to teach myself to be more open or I would live a shy and secluded life – and BOY did I change!

4. What’s something about you that might surprise people? While I was in High School (Massachusetts) I would work in the cigar tobacco fields during the summer. I was paid ‘piecemeal’ so the harder I worked the more money I made. It was a dirty and hot job but became very lucrative. I learned to overcome mental obstacles because every day I wanted to quit but every morning I got up and got on the bus and drove to the fields and did it over again. 

5. Describe your Why? I do what I love and love what I do! I am fortunate enough to do a job that not only helps people find hope and healing but provides information and outreach to our service area so members of the community know we are here for them. The Gulf Coast Sexual Assault Program, a program under the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, is a program that is there in what might be your worst time but we do it with a trauma sensitive approach of belief and compassion. I love to talk about what we do and show others that sexual assault doesn’t end at the assault and healing is possible. 

Chad Overyby, Outside Sales Representative, ABC Supply Co

1. If you could pick up one skill or hobby instantly, what would it be? I would love to have the patience and skill to be a skilled carpenter and wood worker.

2. What’s something everyone should know about our community? I believe when people think of Panama City, they think of the wild Spring Break parties.  When I tell someone I live in Panama City, they always have a story about when they came here in high school or college.  I want people to know how amazing this community is for families and how much more there is to Panama City besides being a vacation destination.

3. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Do what you say you’re going to do.  It’s a simple piece of advice but is so rare today.

4. What’s the best place you’ve ever traveled and why? My favorite place I’ve travelled to is Iceland. I love the scenery and people there.  I’ve been there twice in the summer and love how you loose track of time and all of a sudden be looking at waterfalls and realize it’s midnight but still light outside. I was hesitant to bring my fiancé there in fear she wasn’t going to love it as much as I do but she fell in love with it as quickly as I did.

5. What’s something about you that might surprise people? I grew up in the military and lived in 12 homes between Hawaii and Germany.  I didn’t want to join the military after college because I was tired of moving around.  Life is funny though and ABC Supply asked me to join their Storm Response team and worked at 12 different location within 6 years from Wyoming to Florida.

6. What is one thing you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet? I’ve always wanted to visit all the every MLB baseball park and am currently sitting at 21 of the 30 active parks.