June 9, 2020
Greetings!
Want a hands-on, in-depth Destin learning experience? 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.
2nd Northwest Florida Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program Is Open
Gulf Power, in partnership with the Florida SBDC at UWF, is funding a second round of the Northwest Florida Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program with a contribution of $300,000. The maximum grant amount is $5,000. The application period is June 8 - 12.
Brought to you by the Destin Chamber, Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber, Destin - Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, and CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, this event is free for all job seekers and employers .
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 29.8% 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 .
COVID-19TestSitesJune2020
SOLD OUT! Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
Business Before Hours Sponsored by Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC
Friday, June 12 | 7:30 - 9 a.m.
Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village
Call (850) 837-6241 to be added to the wait list.

Jennifer Adams, Director of Destin - Fort Walton Beach Tourist Development, will update us on summer tourism, the increased marketing efforts for end of summer/fall business, and the new Venture Out program.

The event will also feature non-profit spotlight Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation .
Powerhouse Women Series: Marcia Hull, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation
Wednesday, June 17 | 12 - 1 p.m.
Virtual Event

In 2020, Ladies Who Launch is highlighting impactful women in our community through the new Powerhouse Women Series. On June 17, Marcia Hull, CEO of the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, will share her love of the arts and preserving the legacy of Destin matriarch Mattie Kelly.
Okaloosa County Commission Candidates Virtual Forum
Tuesday, June 23 | 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Virtual Event

The Destin Chamber Board of Directors is hosting all candidates for the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners for a virtual forum. Do you have a question for the candidates? Please email them to espies@DestinChamber.com or be prepared to post them into the Q&A during the event. You must register to receive login instructions.
Military Affairs Council (MAC) Meeting
Wednesday, July 1 | 12 - 1 p.m.
Destin Chamber
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! This event is limited to the first 75 guests to register. Prepayment is required, and walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
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.

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