November 3, 2020
Greetings!
Today is Election Day! Thank you to everyone that has taken time to make your voice heard. For those that have not yet voted, polls are open until 7 p.m.
Time is Running Out for Okaloosa Cares Funding
Through the Federal CARES Act funding, Okaloosa County and all the cities within it have joined together to offer a variety of grants and other programs to help our communities cope with the effects of COVID-19. This assistance has categories for businesses, non-profits and individuals. For information on upcoming workshops, click here. To apply now, visit okaloosacountycares.com. 

Grant types include the following:
1. Small Business CARES Micro Grant - Application period closes Nov. 9.
2. Small Business CARES Relief Grant - Application period closes Nov. 9.
3. Individual Medical CARES Grant - Application period closes Nov. 30.
4. Small Business PPE CARES Grant - Application period closes Nov. 9.
5. Housing Assistance CRF Grant - Application period closes Dec. 1.
Amendment 2
Would You Like to Recognize Your Outstanding Boss or Coworker?
We are now accepting nominations for the 2020 Business Person of the Year and Ann Gibson Community Service Award! Nominations are due by Dec. 4. The awards will be presented at the Awards Party on Jan. 28, at Embassy Suites Destin - Miramar Beach. 

Recent Business Person of the Year Award Winners
2019 - Mitch Mongell, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center
2018 - Bill Lindsley, SimpleHR
2017 - Bob Perry, Destin Commons
2016 - Kim Wintner, Alliance Association Management Co. Inc.
 
Recent Ann Gibson Community Service Award Winners
2019 - Allen French, Trees on the Coast
2018 - Jerry Sullivan, Century 21 Blue Marlin Pelican
2017 - Dion Moniz, Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC
2016 - Jason Belcher, FNBT Bank
Adopt-A-Classroom at Destin Elementary School
Adopt-A-Class donations help with much needed supplies for classrooms. Your tax-deductible contribution of $250 will be credited to a specific classroom. Half classroom adoptions are also accepted for $125. Destin Elementary School will not disperse funds until all classrooms are adopted.
Gulf Island National Seashore to Solicit Public Input on Crab Island 
The National Park Service (NPS), Gulf Islands National Seashore (GUIS), is proposing to implement a Commercial Services Strategy (CSS) to better manage commercial operations in the Crab Island Area of the national seashore. Prior to beginning the next stage of planning for this CSS, the NPS is reaching out to area stakeholders for input and will host two virtual civic engagement meetings scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 6 p.m., and Thursday, Nov. 12, at 1 p.m. 
 
The meetings will begin with a presentation, followed by a moderated question and answer session. Individuals will be able to access a link to attend the virtual meetings at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/CrabIsland. This website will also include a link for the public to submit comments through Nov. 23, 2020, a link to watch a recorded version of the virtual meeting, and additional information on the planning process. 
School Cents Makes Sense
Bourbon at the Bay Presented by Hand Arendall Harrison Sale Sold Out
On Nov. 19, kick off your holiday season – and shopping – with the 8th Annual Bourbon at the Bay Presented by Hand Arendall Harrison Sale! Sample bourbon, scotch, and champagne on the BOTE and Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village tasting tables. Bid on your choice of gifts, trips, and more in the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center silent auction. Try your luck in the Destin Commons wine pull. Enjoy delicious treats at The Blake at Miramar Beach food and dessert tables. Visit the Somerby Santa Rosa Beach bar to explore more cocktails. Experience Beach Liquors VIP Room.

New this year, the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center silent auction is going live online one week before the event! This offers easier bidding for guests and more visibility for our donors. We are also moving the festivities to the Legendary Marine showroom, offering guests more space to spread out and enjoy all parts of the event.

Thank you to our sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor - Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC
VIP Room Sponsor - Beach Liquors
Location Sponsor - Legendary Marine
Silent Auction Sponsor - Fort Walton Beach Medical Center
Scotch Tasting Table Sponsor - BOTE
Champagne Tasting Table Sponsor - Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village
Wine Pull Sponsor - Destin Commons
Food & Dessert Sponsor - The Blake at Miramar Beach
Bar Sponsor - Somerby Santa Rosa Beach
Cocktail Napkin Sponsor - Okaloosa Gas
Centerpiece Sponsor - First National Bank
Parting Gift Sponsor - Fort Walton Beach Medical Center
Golf Cart Sponsor - Ecco Motors
Media Sponsor - Destin Life

Tickets are sold out! Click here to see all event information.

To donate to the silent auction or sponsor the event, please contact Cassy DeJulio at (850) 837-6241 or cassy@DestinChamber.com.
Do You Need Masks For Your Business?
Thank you to the Florida Department of Health of Okaloosa County for providing masks for us to distribute to our members! If you would like to pick up masks for your place of business, please email espies@DestinChamber.com to arrange the quantity and pickup.
Current COVID-19 Data Now Available on DestinChamber.com
Visit our website for up-to-date, local COVID-19 metrics.
Military Affairs Council (MAC) Meeting
Wednesday, November 4 | 12 - 1 p.m.
Destin Chamber

David Fitzpatrick, director of the Air Armament Museum, will explain the museum's mission and its impact on our local area.
Florida SBDC Virtual Office Hours at the Destin Chamber
Thursday, November 5 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Virtual

The Florida SBDC at UWF is hosting virtual consulting hours specifically for business owners in our area. Florida SBDC at UWF Business Consultant Diana Jernigan is available by email for impromptu meetings assisting with business challenges or opportunities.
Business Before Hours Sponsored by White-Wilson Medical Center
Friday, November 13 | 7:30 - 9 a.m.
The Palms Bistro

Join us for our Business Before Hours Sponsored by White-Wilson Medical Center! Florida Representative Mel Ponder will be our guest speaker.
Tourism Industry Interest Group: Meeting the Workforce Needs
Wednesday, November 18 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village

Julie Cotton, Chair, Hospitality and Culinary Management at Northwest Florida State College, will discuss the Hospitality & Tourism Programs at NWFSC.
2020 Bourbon at the Bay
Bowling for Business Tournament & Lunch
Friday, December 4 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Hurricane Lanes

How about a mini-bowling tournament, mixed with a little business, for your Dec. 4 lunch break? We are challenging members to a Bowling for Business Tournament. We will award prizes to top male, top female, and top team, and a perfect score will win a FREE 1-year Chamber business membership! 
Thank you to our renewing members!
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