June 30, 2020
Greetings!
Join us on Tuesday, July 21, from 5:30 - 7 p.m., for an Okaloosa County Commission Candidates Forum , at the Destin Community Center! Have a question you would like to submit? Email it to ceo@DestinChamber.com or bring it with you to the event.
Dion Moniz
Chairman’s Column: Working and Recovering Together
Since my last column, we have all been working together to reopen, recover, and reimagine our paradise called Destin in the wake of COVID-19. It is apparent that restarting our economy safely and effectively is not going to be as easy as we hoped. However, as your Chamber, we have tried our best to help ensure a safe and successful transition.

Office Closure
Our office will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of the Fourth of July holiday. We hope you have a safe holiday weekend with family and friends!
BizTech Fall 2020 Logo
BizTech is Back!
Join us on Tuesday, Oct. 13, for a daylong conference and expo connecting Destin area small business owners and employees with the technology-related information and companies they need to improve their business operations and protect their electronic assets. From IT 101 and business continuity plans to cybersecurity and infrastructure discussions, topics are designed to appeal to a wide range of needs and experience. 

The expo begins at 9 a.m. and ends with a reception from 4:15 – 6 p.m. Keynote speakers and breakout sessions are scheduled throughout the day.  Sponsorships are available!
Last Day to Apply for PPP
The opportunity for small businesses to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) created by the CARES Act, will come to an end TODAY. To date, there is less than $130 billion remaining for loans, and the application window closes at the end of business today, June 30. If you are having financial difficulty as a result of the pandemic and want to be sure your employees are taken care of, now is the time to make sure you complete the application process properly so you can utilize this important assistance. The key to bringing back our economy is having a strong workforce, and this loan may help to retain employees and keep your business productive as we all try to navigate the uncertainties of COVID-19. Complete the loan application here . 
Destin Forward Offers In-Depth Learning Experience of our Community
Applications for Destin Forward, our community education and leadership program, are now available. See what alumni say about the program:

"This was a very good class/experience for me being fairly new to the area. It helped me learn Destin, but also helped me form new, meaningful relationships that will be with me forever."
Denise Kendust, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center

"The things I found valuable about the Destin Forward experience were the behind the scenes look we got at so many of the businesses and organizations not only in the city but the county and state as well. I also met and worked with other class members that have become close friends of mine. Almost all the organizations I’m involved with now are a result of what I learned and who I met while in the Destin Forward class."
S kip Overdier, Destin City Councilman

Find details and the application here. $75 scholarships are available upon request.
Current COVID-19 Data Now Available on DestinChamber.com
Visit our website for up-to-date, local COVID-19 metrics.
Leadership Okaloosa Applications Available Now
Leadership Okaloosa is an esteemed leadership training and development program with a 30-year history of being a vital part of Okaloosa County’s growth and development of its leaders. This 9-month experience is designed to enhance the participant’s leadership skills and provide community awareness. Find details and application here.
Your Census Makes A Difference
From directing federal funds to local communities to determining political representation in all levels of government, accurate census counts are vital. Destin is only reporting a 30.4% response rate to the 2020 Census. Please take time to complete the census today! Call (844) 330-2020 or complete the Census online at  www.My2020Census.Gov .


















Thank you to those businesses and organizations stepping up to help each other and the community. We want to share your upcoming events and highlight your good works. Please send updates to espies@DestinChamber.com .
Florida SBDC Virtual Office Hours at the Destin Chamber
Thursday, July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Virtual

Beginning July 2, the Florida SBDC at UWF will begin outreach hours with the Destin Chamber each week through virtual consulting hours specifically for business owners in our area. Florida SBDC at UWF Business Consultant Diana Jernigan will be available by email for impromptu meetings assisting with business challenges or opportunities.
7th Annual Great American Cookout Sponsored by Community Bank & Emerald Coast Title Services, LLC
Tuesday, July 14 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Destin Chamber

Join us for the Great American Cookout at the Destin Chamber! Prepayment is required, and walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
Okaloosa County Commission Candidates Forum
Tuesday, July 21 | 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Destin Community Center

Do you have a question for the candidates? Please email them to ceo@DestinChamber.com or you may submit them at the forum.
Annual Golf Tournament Sponsored by Renasant Bank
Thursday, October 1 | Noon Shotgun Start
Emerald Bay Golf Club

Half Shell Oyster House will join us for a cookout featuring oysters, hamburgers and hotdogs before the tournament begins, and Acme Oyster House will be shucking oysters all afternoon. We will also have a putting content and prizes for longest drive and closest to the pin.

BizTech2020
Save $ On Office Supplies
Did you know Destin Chamber members save money on office supplies with Office Depot? Click here to print a store purchasing card to use in the Destin location or visit www.mychamberadvantage.com/Chamber_SignUp to sign up online.
DestinChamber.com | (850) 837-6241