September 24, 2019
Greetings!
Want the right outcomes from Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.? Economic, political and demographic shifts have placed Florida in a fragile and changing position. That’s why it's vital that Florida’s business community unite and help ensure the right outcomes happen for our state. Year after year, the Florida Chamber of Commerce has been on the front lines fighting for issues that impact your business, your employees and Florida's competitiveness. Right now, you can make a difference.

In its continued effort to help area businesses grow and succeed, the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UWF wants to make sure it is providing the best training opportunities, including workshops and seminars, for area businesses at affordable prices. Please take 2-3 minutes to answer this SBDC 10-question survey about the opportunities you would like to see available.
Whether your target market is local businesses and residents or those who visit us on an annual basis, the Destin Area Visitor's & Relocation Guide is a great value for your advertising dollar. As the only advertising publication of the Destin Chamber, 17,500 copies are printed and distributed each year to members, visitors, and residents. 

For more information, please call (850) 837-6241 or email sarah@DestinChamber.com .
Would you like to recognize your outstanding boss or coworker? We are now accepting nominations for the 2019 Business Person of the Year and Ann Gibson Community Service Award ! Nominations are due by Nov. 8. The awards will be presented at the Holiday & Awards Party Presented by Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and Twin Cities Hospital , on Dec. 17, at Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village.

Recent Business Person of the Year Award Winners
2018 - Bill Lindsley, SimpleHR
2017 - Bob Perry, Destin Commons
2016 - Kim Wintner, Alliance Association Management Co. Inc.
2015 - Kathy and Ken Whidden, Emerald Coast Chiropractic
 
Recent Ann Gibson Community Service Award Winners
2018 - Jerry Sullivan, Century 21 Blue Marlin Pelican
2017 - Dion Moniz, Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC
2016 - Jason Belcher, FNBT Bank
2015 - Jeanne Dailey, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc.
Need some solid business advice? Every Thursday, a representative from the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UWF hosts "Shop Talk" Thursday in our office from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. There is no charge for this service and appointments are not necessary. Stop by and find the help you need.
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.
Business After Hours Sponsored by Beach Liquors
Thursday, September 26 | 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Location: 1257 Airport Rd., Destin


Door prizes include a smoker/grill from Cabo Wabo Tequila and a $50 Beach Liquors gift card! Additional door prizes are welcome.
Business Before Hours Sponsored by Trustmark National Bank
Friday, October 11 | 7:30 - 9 a.m.
Location: LuLu's

Join us for Business Before Hours sponsored by Trustmark National Bank and featuring non-profit partners Fore Her, Inc and Junior League of the Emerald Coast ! Start your day with a beautiful bay view, a hearty breakfast, and networking.
Destin Business Technology Summit / BizTech
Wednesday, October 30 | 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: The Henderson
We are holding 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.
 
Sponsorships are available, and registration is open.
 
Thank you to presenting sponsor Cox Business and breakout sponsor Warren Averett !
7th Annual Bourbon at the Bay Presented
by Hand Arendall Harrison Sale
Thursday, November 21 | 5:30 - 8 p.m.
Location: Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club
 
Kick off your holiday season – and shopping – in style! 
Sample bourbon, scotch, and champagne, try your luck in the  Destin Commons  wine pull, bid on your choice of gifts, trips, and more in the  Fort Walton Beach Medical Center  silent auction, and enjoy decadent bourbon-infused fondue from  The Melting Pot . New this year is the  Beach Liquors  VIP Room!
 
Thank you to our presenting sponsor  Hand Arendall Harrison Sale , VIP room sponsor  Beach Liquors , wine pull sponsor  Destin Commons , silent auction sponsor  Fort Walton Beach Medical Center  and cocktail napkin sponsor  Okaloosa Gas !
 
Tickets are $45 and may be purchased  here . A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $65 and may be purchased by calling (850) 837-6241.
 
For sponsorship information, please click here .
Military Affairs Council (MAC) Meeting
Wednesday, October 2 | 12 - 1 p.m.
Location: Destin Chamber
DestinChamber.com | (850) 837-6241