Spotlight on Bay County’s Best // October ’24

Patrick Chapin, CEO/President, Bay County Chamber of Commerce

1. Since you’re relatively new to our community, what has really stood out to you? The collective optimism. It’s contagious. People recognize that Bay County’s future is full of opportunities, and through collaboration and care, we have the chance to create something truly special.
2. What’s the best place you’ve ever traveled and why? That’s a tough one! My wife and I lived in Sydney, Australia, for a year, which we absolutely loved. After that, we spent another year traveling around the world, exploring over 50 countries. Vietnam stood out as especially memorable.
3. What’s something about you that might surprise people? It might be more interesting than surprising, but I’m a kidney donor. I hadn’t met my recipient, Dave, before the donation, but now we’re very close. Best of all, he’s doing great! By the way, to an earlier question about travel: I’ve been to 56 countries, but Dave has recently been to Scotland and Cuba, which I haven’t visited yet. So technically, my other kidney has been to 58 countries!
4. Who inspires you? My family. We’ve experienced both great joy and deep loss, but through it all, we’ve always grown stronger together.
5. What is a favorite quote? Having worked at Disney for 10 years, I’ve always believed in Walt Disney’s words: “If you can dream it, you can do it.”

Dani Streichert, Health Insurance Agent Peoples First Insurance Services, LLC

1. If you could pick up one skill or hobby instantly, what would it be?  I would love to be musical: sing and play an instrument. I am in awe of people with these skills!
2. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Surround yourself with people who know about things you don’t and learn from them.
3. What’s the best place you’ve ever traveled and why? I adored Rome; the pace was slow, the food amazing, the people friendly and the days and nights were filled with love and laughter.
4. If you had to describe our community in three words (or one quote), what would they/it be? Every successful individual knows that his or her achievement depends on a community of persons working together. Paul Ryan
5. What is one thing you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet? I’d like to go on a cattle drive, camping, using horses as transportation, preferably in Wyoming.

Joe Chavarria, Instructional Systems Designer at Applied Research Associates (ARA)

For almost 10 years and a member of the chamber since 2006, Joe is on the Steering
Committee for Leadership Bay and is very active in the community. Joe was in the Air Force for 24 years and retired from the military in 2005.

1. If you could pick up one skill or hobby instantly, what would it be? I think I missed my calling as a musician/singer and that is what I would be if I could pick up that skill instantly. How great is it to pick up a guitar and sing some songs and have the fans enjoy your work. I would do the circuit and sing nightly at any club or bar that would need some music and good times to enjoy!
2. What’s one project you’ve been a part of that people might not know about? You might not know that while I was working with the Gulf Coast Career Source Board, I was given some grant funds to assist Veterans with. After doing some research and the help of lots of great folks we started the first ever Veterans’ Stand Down in Bay County. This event, which is still going on strong to date, provides food, clothing and health screenings to homeless and at-risk Veterans. In addition, Veterans also receive referrals for health care, housing solutions, employment, mental health counseling and other essential services. I am proud to say I helped in starting this event in Bay County and happy to be helping my fellow veterans with much needed services.
3. What’s the best place you’ve ever traveled and why? My love for travel started while in the U.S. Air Force. I have traveled all over the world with the military and now that I am retired have seen several other countries. I believe my favorite place must be Germany! The countryside is beautiful, and the people were so friendly. You can’t beat the beer, wine, and food there either…wow!
4. What’s something about you that might surprise people? Surprised about me? Well let’s see. You might be surprised that I took the culinary course at Gulf Coast State College several years ago! A lot of you know I love to eat, and some of you have tasted my food. But with the help of the G.I. Bill, I decided that the culinary course would be a fun way to use those funds. What a great time I had with the chef while picking up some fun skills I use daily! Maybe I will cook for you one of these days. Bring the wine!
5. What is one thing you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet? This goes with the traveling part of my life. I would really enjoy the traveling around the world on a cruise ship! Can you imagine just docking in exotic ports all over the world and going sight-seeing for a few days and then getting back on the ship onto your next spot. Everything you need is on that ship and the friends and memories you would make would be everlasting! Yep, can’t wait to do that!