March 31, 2020
Greetings!
While our lobby is now temporarily closed to visitors, we are still open and here to serve you. Please call us at (850) 837-6241 or email mail@DestinChamber.com .
Register for April 1 Emergency Disaster Loan Virtual Q&A
Are you being overloaded with emails offering business and loan assistance? Would you like help finding what is right for your business? Ayesha Haider, a business consultant with the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UWF, will join us for a virtual Q&A session about the  Florida Emergency Bridge Loan  and  SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan . Click on the links to learn more about the loan options and email your questions to  espies@destinchamber.com  or bring them with you to Wednesday's virtual meeting.

Please register here , and meeting details will be emailed to you.
Census Reports Only 15% Response Rate in Destin 
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 15% 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 .
Gulf Power $250K Grant to Florida SBDC for Small Business Grant Program
The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University
of West Florida (UWF) today launched the Northwest Florida Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program to assist businesses across our communities impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The grant program was made possible by an initial contribution of $250,000 from Gulf Power through its economic development fund. The grant program will provide up to $5,000 to help offset losses that small businesses may
currently be experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant applications will be accepted April 8-15, 2020. Keep reading...
Scammers Use COVID-19 Stimulus Package to Target Floridians
Attorney General Ashley Moody today issued a Consumer Alert to warn Floridians about scammers using the new coronavirus stimulus package to target Floridians. The $2 trillion federal stimulus bill includes individual payments, expanded unemployment coverage, student loan changes and much more. News of the historic spending bill is providing ammo for scammers already trying to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic to rip off Floridians. Keep reading...
How is COVID-19 Affecting Destin Businesses?
Check out our new web page specifying changes to business hours and operations for our members. To have your business listed here, please email espies@DestinChamber.com and let us know how COVID-19 is affecting your business operations.

Listen in as Destin Chamber President & CEO Shane A. Moody, CCE, FCCP, is interviewed on Community Broadcaster's Emerald Coast Weekly radio program.
City of Destin Hosts Virtual Meeting To Discuss Procedural Measures
The Destin City Council will host a special meeting to discuss City procedural measures regarding COVID-19 and items of essential city business. Consideration of procedures for future council meetings may be discussed at this meeting. The special meeting is slated for Wednesday, April 1st, at 3 p.m. and will take place at the Destin City Hall Annex Council Chambers, located at 4100 Indian Bayou Trail.

Citizens are encouraged to attend the meeting virtually by watching the live stream at www.youtube.com/cityofdestin. We are engaging in social distancing practices as recommended by the Florida Department of Health regarding public meetings and the visiting public, so everyone is at least six feet apart. Due to these safety measures, seating may be limited. We will sanitize our council chambers before and after the meeting. Hand sanitizer will be available upon entry to the council chambers.

The agenda will be posted as soon as possible via the following link: https://www.cityofdestin.com/agendas .
New Gift Card Bond Program Creates Immediate Cash Flow For Businesses
In response to the significant economic impacts from COVID-19 in Florida, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Destin Chamber of Commerce and DigiPro Media have partnered together to announce the Save Florida Business Initiative to support Florida businesses during this unprecedented time for our industry.

The Save Florida Jobs Initiative will help Okaloosa County businesses create immediate cash flow using technology and networking solutions that will provide much-needed revenue to survive this economic emergency. The initiative connects local consumers with area businesses through the Save Florida Business website . Local businesses can register to participate, and consumers can search and connect with registered businesses, on the site. Keep reading...
Destin Water Users, Inc.
COVID-19 Community Resources


COVID-19 Business Resources
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