Michael Chambliss has heard a higher calling.
The director of marketing at the Landing since 2006, Chambliss and his family are moving to Crystal River, where he will be senior pastor of the Rock Crusher Road First Church of God.
His connection with the Landing is both professional and personal.
Chambliss, 37, grew up in Missouri and attended Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City, Okla.
After graduation, he taught in a Christian school for two years and then went back to the industry where he had worked part-time in high school – at a radio station.
Chambliss first worked with the Landing when he was director of marketing for Renda Broadcasting Corp. The company had just put 99.9 Gator Country on the air in Jacksonville and Chambliss had to find a way to introduce the new country music station to potential listeners.
"We had no budget, but we needed to make a big splash. We decided on a free concert series and the Landing was our first choice for the location," he said.
The lineup of free outdoor concerts starring up-and-coming country music artists debuted in August 2005. Chambliss got to know Landing owner Toney Sleiman and General Manager Janice Lowe while he coordinated the concerts.
Six months later, when Downtown's riverfront retail, restaurant and entertainment center needed a new marketing director, Chambliss was offered the job. He began coordinating hundreds of free events each year, including the concert series he helped develop.
"We've done everything from hosting rallies for candidates running for president of the United States to kindergarten classes singing around the Christmas tree and everything in between," said Chambliss.
The Landing is the site for dozens of events that benefit local nonprofit organizations. It's part of the annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival and ground zero for Florida-Georgia weekend and the Gator Bowl.
The Landing also is the site each year for the Parrot Heads in Natural Settings Gumbo Festival, Earth Day and dozens upon dozens of other events.
This week, the Landing is headquarters for the annual Christmas on the St. Johns Tree Lighting Festival and the Jacksonville Light Parade and Fireworks Spectacular.
"One thing I learned is that every one of those events is equally important," said Chambliss.
On the personal side, Chambliss said he met his future wife, Melissa, online and their first date was at the Landing. The couple will celebrate their 10th anniversary in January in Crystal River with their two daughters.
Moving from Jacksonville to a small town in Citrus County will represent a major life transition. The population of Crystal River, is about 3,100 people according to the 2010 U.S. Census. During Florida-Georgia weekend, New Year's Eve or the city's annual Fourth of July fireworks show, the population of the Landing is triple that number.
Chambliss said the time is right for the change.
"I love Downtown and I'll miss that there is always something different every day at the Landing, but being a pastor has always been in my heart," he said.
"I love people. That's what attracted me to the Landing. Now, I'll be able to aid people in their journey in life."
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