May 19, 2020
Greetings!
Details on the Okaloosa County Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program are now available. Last night, Destin City Council approved a motion to contribute $100,000 to this program for local Destin businesses. The application period will be May 26 - 29. Thank you to the Okaloosa County Commissioners and Destin City Councilors for providing these funds to assist local businesses.
Update on Short-Term Vacation Rentals
During the weekend, Florida counties submitted their short term vacation rental safety plans to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You may view Okaloosa County's plan here. We just attended a webinar with DBPR Secretary Halsey Beshears speaking. He said his office is moving as fast as possible to approve the plans. As counties are approved, this page will be updated.
Current COVID-19 Data Now Available on DestinChamber.com
Visit our website for up-to-date, local COVID-19 metrics.
Governor Allows Florida to Enter Full Phase 1
On Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida would enter full phase 1 beginning yesterday. Find details on Phase 1 here . Here is additional guidance from DBPR related to safety measures, best practices, and frequently asked questions on the Governor's most recent order:

Want a Hands-On, In-Depth Destin Learning Experience?
Applications for Destin Forward, our community education and leadership program, are now available. What have recent graduates said about the program?

"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." 
Skip Overdier, Destin City Councilman

“Destin Forward was a wonderful opportunity for me professionally and personally. It gives participants great insight as to what happens in our community through political and non-political processes and how we can get involved and improve the quality of life for our community.”
Catherine Card, City of Destin Public Information Manager

Destin's Drive By Blessing of the Marketplace is Tomorrow
Despite COVID-19, the annual Blessing of the Marketplace will take place on May 20, from 7:30 - 9 a.m., with three drive by locations throughout the city. Locations are separated by industry.

Location 1: Shoreline Church
140 Palmetto St, Destin, FL 32541
Fishing, Boating, Water Sports, Recreation, Miscellaneous

Location 2: Destin United Methodist Church
200 Beach Dr, Destin, FL 32541
Government/Schools, Retail, Real Estate & Construction

Location 3: Coastline Calvery Chapel
310 Mountain Dr, Destin, FL 32541
Not for Profit, Health, Fitness, Beauty, Medical, Hospitality, Professional

To register, please click here .
Hurricane Season Begins June 1
Please use these guides to help update your business' hurricane preparedness plan:
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 29.3% 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 .
Are You Open For Business?
Now that we are in Phase 1, have your business operations changed? Please email your updated hours, services and job openings to espies@DestinChamber.com . We will use it to update our ' Open For Business ' web page.
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.
While our lobby is still temporarily closed to visitors, we are open and ready to serve you. Please call us at (850) 837-6241 or email mail@DestinChamber.com .
Tourism Industry Interest Group: COVID-19 Initiatives & Resources With VISIT FLORIDA
Wednesday, May 20 | 12 - 1 p.m.

Brenna Dacks, Regional Partnership Manager with VISIT FLORIDA, will provide an update on VISIT FLORIDA industry resources and its consumer marketing initiatives (both current and future) related to COVID-19.

Managing Problem Employees
How to Manage Problem Employees & Handle Difficult People
Friday, May 22 | 9 - 9:45 a.m.

This is a SHRM-accredited 45-minute webinar with management expert Glenn Shepard. There is no charge for Chamber members. The cost is $199 for non-members.

Email espies@DestinChamber.com for registration information.
Annual Golf Tournament Sponsored by Renasant Bank
Thursday, October 1 | Noon Shotgun Start

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.

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