Watch the WebisodeNews & Events
November 21, 2011
TURNING DOWNTOWN AROUND
Pensacola Young Professionals (PYP) sits down with Downtown Improvement Board executive director Kim Kimbrough to discuss jobs, housing and the business of managing a downtown resurgence, for its PYP November webisode.
When the Downtown Improvement Board (DIB) was created in 1972, downtown Pensacola, like many American urban and downtown areas, had seen a long period of decline. Litter and boarded-up businesses lined Palafox Street, and few believed that Pensacola's downtown could ever be revived. But today, downtown Pensacola bustles with nearly 10,000 workers, more than 2200 residents and a net gain of 408 new jobs in just the past year. PYP invited Kim Kimbrough, executive director of Pensacola's Downtown Improvement Board (DIB), to discuss the resurgence, and his vision for downtown Pensacola, during its November webisode and corresponding white paper. Both are available online at www.PensacolaYP.com and www.betterpensacola.org.
Read More >
September 08, 2011
PENSACOLA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS ASKS MAYOR ASHTON HAYWARD: "HAS THE NEW CITY CHARTER AND STRONG MAYOR FORM OF GOVERNMENT REALLY BENEFITED PENSACOLA?"
Up-close-and-personal interview with Pensacola's first "strong mayor" subject of PYP's September Webisode, now available online along with white paper on the new charter's impacts on Pensacola
For more than 75 years, Pensacola's government structure was dictated by a City Charter penned when Herbert Hoover was president of the U.S. and a new house in Pensacola cost around $6500. But in 2010, following an 18-month review by a newly-created Charter Review Commission and a close decision by Pensacola voters, a new city charter took effect and with it, a new strong mayor system of government.
Read More >
August 04, 2011
PENSACOLA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AND BETTER PENSACOLA FORUM RELEASE 2011 "QUALITY OF LIFE" VOTER SURVEY RESULTS
"An overwhelming majority (78%) of Pensacola City voters says that the city is on the 'right track,' a 20% increase over 2010 (59%)." - Larry Harris, Mason-Dixon Polling & Research
The 2011 Quality of Life Survey results are in and the polls reflect how area residents feel about Pensacola's living conditions, plans for the future and opportunities. Conducted annually for the past four years, the Quality of Life Survey is a compilation of the opinions of 800 registered voters in Escambia County who are chosen at random. Better Pensacola Forum began conducting the annual surveys in 2008 to develop a benchmark of public opinion, to track and trend voter concerns and issues of importance over time and to provide these insights to Pensacola leadership. This year's survey was commissioned as a joint effort of Better Pensacola Forum and Pensacola Young Professionals (PYP).
Read More >
July 06, 2011
PENSACOLA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (PYP) RELEASES JULY WEBISODE AND WHITE PAPER ADDRESSING JOBS, BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN PENSACOLA
In 2004 Curt Morse signed a franchise agreement to provide a new kind of storage option, PODS (Portable On Demand Storage), in Pensacola. A few months later, one of the most damaging hurricanes in Pensacola's history hit the area, taking out roofs and damaging homes by the thousands. In the aftermath, Morse and his staff delivered PODS storage units to storm ravaged homes all over the city, enabling area residents to protect their belongings as they rebuilt, and Pensacola PODS became one of the fastest growing franchises in PODS history. Today, Morse leads PODS and a second company he purchased in 2007, Caribiana Sea Skiffs. Pensacola Young Professionals (PYP) recently invited Morse to write a white paper about entrepreneurism in Pensacola, and then taped a Webisode of him discussing his experiences. The Webisode and white paper are available on line at www.PensacolaYP.com.
Read More >
June 8, 2011
PENSACOLA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (PYP) RELEASES WEBISODE AND WHITE PAPER ON THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS IN ESCAMBIA COUNTY
According to Better Pensacola Forum's 2010 annual survey of Pensacola voters, participants considered traffic and roads one of the top three most important issues facing Escambia County and the City of Pensacola. Based on these findings, Pensacola Young Professionals (PYP) interviewed Christy Johnson, AICP and Transportation Planner for the West Florida Regional Planning Council recently about transportation projects in Escambia County and how they can affect Pensacola's local economy. The interview, produced as a Webisode and a corresponding white papers by Johnson, were released today and are available online at www.PensacolaYP.com.
Read More >
May 3, 2011
PENSACOLA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (PYP) RELEASES WEBISODE ON THE EFFECTS OF BP OIL SPILL ON TOURISM IN PENSACOLA AREA
On April 20, 2010 the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico and leaked approximately 205 million of gallons in the Gulf at the peak of tourist season in Northwest Florida. It was the largest man-made environmental disaster in the history of the United States. The after-effect of the spill on tourism in Pensacola is the subject of a compelling Webisode and corresponding white paper produced by Pensacola Young Professionals. First in a series of white papers and Webisodes that will address topics identified as "hot buttons" by area voters, the May Webisode covers the widespread local impacts and coordinated efforts to maintain the local tourism industry. Webisodes and white papers are available online at www.PensacolaYP.com.
Read More >
March 30, 2011
PENSACOLA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AND BETTER PENSACOLA FORUM ANNOUNCE ALLIANCE
Non-profit organization Better Pensacola Forum was founded in 2008 to "conduct independent, accurate and credible research designed to help local leaders develop practical strategies to improve the quality of life." Led by executive director Jerry Maygarden, the group annually surveyed Pensacola voters through a national polling firm and offered the results to area leadership as a means to create best practices in education, economic advancement, leadership development and community governance. The organization recently looked at ways to increase its outreach and effectiveness, and the alliance with PYP is planned to more effectively utilize the survey results to promote positive change in the Pensacola community.
Read More >
August 5, 2010
BETTER PENSACOLA FORUM RELEASES 2010 "QUALITY OF LIFE" VOTER SURVEY RESULTS
Better Pensacola Forum today released the results from its 2010 Quality of Life survey of area voters, conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research. The results, available for preview on the Better Pensacola Forum Web site at www.betterpensacola.org, show a positive trend in voter attitudes over the past 12 months.
Read More >
June 30, 2010
PENSACOLA MAYORAL CANDIDATES ARE ASKED ABOUT THE DEEPWATER OIL SPILL
Recently, all the candidates for Mayor of Pensacola appeared on the show, "Better Pensacola Forum" and spoke about their individual vision for Pensacola. In light of recent developments surrounding the environmental impact of the Deepwater Horizon Spill, a follow-up series of questions have since been posed to the candidates by Better Pensacola Forum. All candidates were asked the same follow-up questions. Here are their answers:
Read More >
June 4, 2010
BLAB TV SHOW, BETTER PENSACOLA FORUM, WILL INTERVIEW ALL FIVE PENSACOLA MAYORAL CANDIDATES
A few months ago, Better Pensacola Forum commissioned an independent survey of Pensacola voters. Titled, the 2010 Mayoral Leadership Benchmark Survey, the survey's objective was to create an understanding of the voting public's awareness of and attitudes towards issues facing public policy makers.
Read More >
May 27, 2010
TV SHOW EXPLORES HOW YOUNG PROFESSIONALS VIEW LIVING AND WORKING IN PENSACOLA
Jerry Maygarden, executive director of Better Pensacola Forum, and Rick Outzen, publisher of IN News, hosted "Pensacola: A Proud Past, A Better Tomorrow" last Friday on the BLAB television network. The show focused on the recent Rising Stars Forum in Pensacola and featured perspectives from a number of attendees.
Read More >
MAY 21, 2010
BETTER PENSACOLA FORUM HOSTS PENSACOLA: A PROUD PAST, A BETTER TOMORROW FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2010
This week's broadcast of "Pensacola: A Proud Past, A Better Tomorrow" recaps event that brought young people together to identify solutions for attracting and retaining young talent in our area. Jerry Maygarden, executive director of the Better Pensacola Forum, and Rick Outzen, publisher of IN News, will host "Pensacola: A Proud Past, A Better Tomorrow this Friday, May 21st at 7:30 p.m. on the BLAB television network.
Read More >
April 6, 2010
Poll Indicates Jobs and Public Safety Top Voters Concerns
Pensacola, FL-Pensacola’s citizens believe their next mayor should have job creation and economic growth very high on his or her radar screen while making sure basic city responsibilities like police and fire protection and emergency medical services remain strong. And when asked what “personal qualities” the next mayor should possess, those same voters are looking for a mayor with a vision and financial experience who can build consensus to get things done.
Read More >
November 25, 2009
BETTER PENSACOLA FORUM TO HOST PREMIER PARTY AT NEW YORK NICK'S
Better Pensacola Forum is hosting a premier party for the latest installment of "Pensacola: A Proud Past, A Better Tomorrow." The party will be held December 2nd from 5:30 until 8:00 p.m. at New York Nick's on Palafox Street. The event will feature a screening of the latest show, as well as networking opportunities and drink specials.
Read More >
September 25, 2009
BETTER PENSACOLA FORUM RELEASES 2009 "QUALITY OF LIFE SURVEY" RESULTS
Better Pensacola Forum has released the survey results from its 2009 Quality of Life Survey, conducted by the Mason-Dixon research firm. The results are available for preview on the Better Pensacola Forum Web site at www.betterpensacola.org. And next Wednesday evening, the Forum will broadcast the show "Pensacola: A Proud Past, A Better Tomorrow," with an in-depth discussion on the survey results. The show will air at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30th on BLAB TV.
Read More >
July 20, 2009
BETTER PENSACOLA FORUM LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITE AND ON-LINE "MINI SURVEY"
Better Pensacola Forum recently launched a new Web site, www.betterpensacola.org, that presents the results of its Fall 2008 Quality of Life survey and includes a link to a new “mini survey” of 20 questions that is available to the public. “An annual comprehensive survey is conducted by phone to more than 750 randomly-selected citizens by the respected national polling group Mason-Dixon Polling & Research,” said Jerry Maygarden, Better Pensacola executive director. “Through the new Web site, virtually anyone who wants to share his or her opinion has the opportunity to participate.” Results of the mini survey will be available on the Web site August 15th.
Read More >
June 10, 2009
BETTER PENSACOLA FORUM TO CONDUCT "QUALITY OF LIFE SURVEY"
Better Pensacola Forum has announced plans to conduct the 2009 Quality of Life Survey for Escambia County this fall. Jerry Maygarden, executive director of the Better Pensacola Forum, hopes that the survey will help improve the quality of life for all Escambia County residents, adding "We honestly believe better results will come from a better understanding of the facts."
Read More >
TURNING DOWNTOWN AROUND
Pensacola Young Professionals (PYP) sits down with Downtown Improvement Board executive director Kim Kimbrough to discuss jobs, housing and the business of managing a downtown resurgence, for its PYP November webisode.
When the Downtown Improvement Board (DIB) was created in 1972, downtown Pensacola, like many American urban and downtown areas, had seen a long period of decline. Litter and boarded-up businesses lined Palafox Street, and few believed that Pensacola's downtown could ever be revived. But today, downtown Pensacola bustles with nearly 10,000 workers, more than 2200 residents and a net gain of 408 new jobs in just the past year. PYP invited Kim Kimbrough, executive director of Pensacola's Downtown Improvement Board (DIB), to discuss the resurgence, and his vision for downtown Pensacola, during its November webisode and corresponding white paper. Both are available online at www.PensacolaYP.com and www.betterpensacola.org.
Read More >
September 08, 2011
PENSACOLA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS ASKS MAYOR ASHTON HAYWARD: "HAS THE NEW CITY CHARTER AND STRONG MAYOR FORM OF GOVERNMENT REALLY BENEFITED PENSACOLA?"
Up-close-and-personal interview with Pensacola's first "strong mayor" subject of PYP's September Webisode, now available online along with white paper on the new charter's impacts on Pensacola
For more than 75 years, Pensacola's government structure was dictated by a City Charter penned when Herbert Hoover was president of the U.S. and a new house in Pensacola cost around $6500. But in 2010, following an 18-month review by a newly-created Charter Review Commission and a close decision by Pensacola voters, a new city charter took effect and with it, a new strong mayor system of government.
Read More >
August 04, 2011
PENSACOLA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AND BETTER PENSACOLA FORUM RELEASE 2011 "QUALITY OF LIFE" VOTER SURVEY RESULTS
"An overwhelming majority (78%) of Pensacola City voters says that the city is on the 'right track,' a 20% increase over 2010 (59%)." - Larry Harris, Mason-Dixon Polling & Research
The 2011 Quality of Life Survey results are in and the polls reflect how area residents feel about Pensacola's living conditions, plans for the future and opportunities. Conducted annually for the past four years, the Quality of Life Survey is a compilation of the opinions of 800 registered voters in Escambia County who are chosen at random. Better Pensacola Forum began conducting the annual surveys in 2008 to develop a benchmark of public opinion, to track and trend voter concerns and issues of importance over time and to provide these insights to Pensacola leadership. This year's survey was commissioned as a joint effort of Better Pensacola Forum and Pensacola Young Professionals (PYP).
Read More >
July 06, 2011
PENSACOLA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (PYP) RELEASES JULY WEBISODE AND WHITE PAPER ADDRESSING JOBS, BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN PENSACOLA
In 2004 Curt Morse signed a franchise agreement to provide a new kind of storage option, PODS (Portable On Demand Storage), in Pensacola. A few months later, one of the most damaging hurricanes in Pensacola's history hit the area, taking out roofs and damaging homes by the thousands. In the aftermath, Morse and his staff delivered PODS storage units to storm ravaged homes all over the city, enabling area residents to protect their belongings as they rebuilt, and Pensacola PODS became one of the fastest growing franchises in PODS history. Today, Morse leads PODS and a second company he purchased in 2007, Caribiana Sea Skiffs. Pensacola Young Professionals (PYP) recently invited Morse to write a white paper about entrepreneurism in Pensacola, and then taped a Webisode of him discussing his experiences. The Webisode and white paper are available on line at www.PensacolaYP.com.
Read More >
June 8, 2011
PENSACOLA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (PYP) RELEASES WEBISODE AND WHITE PAPER ON THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS IN ESCAMBIA COUNTY
According to Better Pensacola Forum's 2010 annual survey of Pensacola voters, participants considered traffic and roads one of the top three most important issues facing Escambia County and the City of Pensacola. Based on these findings, Pensacola Young Professionals (PYP) interviewed Christy Johnson, AICP and Transportation Planner for the West Florida Regional Planning Council recently about transportation projects in Escambia County and how they can affect Pensacola's local economy. The interview, produced as a Webisode and a corresponding white papers by Johnson, were released today and are available online at www.PensacolaYP.com.
Read More >
May 3, 2011
PENSACOLA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (PYP) RELEASES WEBISODE ON THE EFFECTS OF BP OIL SPILL ON TOURISM IN PENSACOLA AREA
On April 20, 2010 the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico and leaked approximately 205 million of gallons in the Gulf at the peak of tourist season in Northwest Florida. It was the largest man-made environmental disaster in the history of the United States. The after-effect of the spill on tourism in Pensacola is the subject of a compelling Webisode and corresponding white paper produced by Pensacola Young Professionals. First in a series of white papers and Webisodes that will address topics identified as "hot buttons" by area voters, the May Webisode covers the widespread local impacts and coordinated efforts to maintain the local tourism industry. Webisodes and white papers are available online at www.PensacolaYP.com.
Read More >
March 30, 2011
PENSACOLA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AND BETTER PENSACOLA FORUM ANNOUNCE ALLIANCE
Non-profit organization Better Pensacola Forum was founded in 2008 to "conduct independent, accurate and credible research designed to help local leaders develop practical strategies to improve the quality of life." Led by executive director Jerry Maygarden, the group annually surveyed Pensacola voters through a national polling firm and offered the results to area leadership as a means to create best practices in education, economic advancement, leadership development and community governance. The organization recently looked at ways to increase its outreach and effectiveness, and the alliance with PYP is planned to more effectively utilize the survey results to promote positive change in the Pensacola community.
Read More >
August 5, 2010
BETTER PENSACOLA FORUM RELEASES 2010 "QUALITY OF LIFE" VOTER SURVEY RESULTS
Better Pensacola Forum today released the results from its 2010 Quality of Life survey of area voters, conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research. The results, available for preview on the Better Pensacola Forum Web site at www.betterpensacola.org, show a positive trend in voter attitudes over the past 12 months.
Read More >
June 30, 2010
PENSACOLA MAYORAL CANDIDATES ARE ASKED ABOUT THE DEEPWATER OIL SPILL
Recently, all the candidates for Mayor of Pensacola appeared on the show, "Better Pensacola Forum" and spoke about their individual vision for Pensacola. In light of recent developments surrounding the environmental impact of the Deepwater Horizon Spill, a follow-up series of questions have since been posed to the candidates by Better Pensacola Forum. All candidates were asked the same follow-up questions. Here are their answers:
Read More >
June 4, 2010
BLAB TV SHOW, BETTER PENSACOLA FORUM, WILL INTERVIEW ALL FIVE PENSACOLA MAYORAL CANDIDATES
A few months ago, Better Pensacola Forum commissioned an independent survey of Pensacola voters. Titled, the 2010 Mayoral Leadership Benchmark Survey, the survey's objective was to create an understanding of the voting public's awareness of and attitudes towards issues facing public policy makers.
Read More >
May 27, 2010
TV SHOW EXPLORES HOW YOUNG PROFESSIONALS VIEW LIVING AND WORKING IN PENSACOLA
Jerry Maygarden, executive director of Better Pensacola Forum, and Rick Outzen, publisher of IN News, hosted "Pensacola: A Proud Past, A Better Tomorrow" last Friday on the BLAB television network. The show focused on the recent Rising Stars Forum in Pensacola and featured perspectives from a number of attendees.
Read More >
MAY 21, 2010
BETTER PENSACOLA FORUM HOSTS PENSACOLA: A PROUD PAST, A BETTER TOMORROW FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2010
This week's broadcast of "Pensacola: A Proud Past, A Better Tomorrow" recaps event that brought young people together to identify solutions for attracting and retaining young talent in our area. Jerry Maygarden, executive director of the Better Pensacola Forum, and Rick Outzen, publisher of IN News, will host "Pensacola: A Proud Past, A Better Tomorrow this Friday, May 21st at 7:30 p.m. on the BLAB television network.
Read More >
April 6, 2010
Poll Indicates Jobs and Public Safety Top Voters Concerns
Pensacola, FL-Pensacola’s citizens believe their next mayor should have job creation and economic growth very high on his or her radar screen while making sure basic city responsibilities like police and fire protection and emergency medical services remain strong. And when asked what “personal qualities” the next mayor should possess, those same voters are looking for a mayor with a vision and financial experience who can build consensus to get things done.
Read More >
November 25, 2009
BETTER PENSACOLA FORUM TO HOST PREMIER PARTY AT NEW YORK NICK'S
Better Pensacola Forum is hosting a premier party for the latest installment of "Pensacola: A Proud Past, A Better Tomorrow." The party will be held December 2nd from 5:30 until 8:00 p.m. at New York Nick's on Palafox Street. The event will feature a screening of the latest show, as well as networking opportunities and drink specials.
Read More >
September 25, 2009
BETTER PENSACOLA FORUM RELEASES 2009 "QUALITY OF LIFE SURVEY" RESULTS
Better Pensacola Forum has released the survey results from its 2009 Quality of Life Survey, conducted by the Mason-Dixon research firm. The results are available for preview on the Better Pensacola Forum Web site at www.betterpensacola.org. And next Wednesday evening, the Forum will broadcast the show "Pensacola: A Proud Past, A Better Tomorrow," with an in-depth discussion on the survey results. The show will air at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30th on BLAB TV.
Read More >
July 20, 2009
BETTER PENSACOLA FORUM LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITE AND ON-LINE "MINI SURVEY"
Better Pensacola Forum recently launched a new Web site, www.betterpensacola.org, that presents the results of its Fall 2008 Quality of Life survey and includes a link to a new “mini survey” of 20 questions that is available to the public. “An annual comprehensive survey is conducted by phone to more than 750 randomly-selected citizens by the respected national polling group Mason-Dixon Polling & Research,” said Jerry Maygarden, Better Pensacola executive director. “Through the new Web site, virtually anyone who wants to share his or her opinion has the opportunity to participate.” Results of the mini survey will be available on the Web site August 15th.
Read More >
June 10, 2009
BETTER PENSACOLA FORUM TO CONDUCT "QUALITY OF LIFE SURVEY"
Better Pensacola Forum has announced plans to conduct the 2009 Quality of Life Survey for Escambia County this fall. Jerry Maygarden, executive director of the Better Pensacola Forum, hopes that the survey will help improve the quality of life for all Escambia County residents, adding "We honestly believe better results will come from a better understanding of the facts."
Read More >
