May 26, 2020
Food For Thought
Greetings!
Details have been released for the City of Destin's Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program , which is in partnership with the Florida SBDC at UWF. To see qualifications, click here . The application period is June 1 - 5. 

The application period for the Okaloosa County Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program opens today and will close Friday.

Thank you to the Destin City Council and Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners for providing relief to local businesses.
Current COVID-19 Data Now Available on DestinChamber.com
Visit our website for up-to-date, local COVID-19 metrics.
SimpleHR
Governor Lifts Restrictions on Youth Activities
On Friday, Governor DeSantis lifted all restrictions on youth activities, including youth sports teams and leagues, youth clubs and programs, summer camps, and youth recreation camps effective immediately. You may view this order here . The Florida Department of Health issued an FAQ on guidance for organized youth activities .
Updated Unemployment Numbers
According to Dr. Jerry Parrish, the Florida Chamber Foundation's Chief Economist, Florida's unemployment rate hit 12.9% with the release of the April job numbers on Friday. If you would like more in-depth information on the job numbers, check out Dr. Parrish's latest By The Numbers video or visit TheFloridaScorecard.org . Remember you can use the dropdown at the top right to toggle between counties. 

Later this week, Dr. Parrish is going to brief our Destin Economic Recovery Taskforce and Board of Directors on local economic data.
How To Manage Problem Employees Webinar
For those that missed Friday's How to Manage Problem Employees seminar with Glenn Shepard, you may view the recording here . This link will expire Thursday.
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?

"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

"Destin Forward was a great program for me. I grew as a leader and the relationships I made throughout were invaluable. I highly recommend this program!"
Hillaree Durso, Frances Roy Agency

Find details and the application here. $75 scholarships are available upon request.
Destin Water Users, Inc.
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 29.6% 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 .
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.










Thank you to those businesses and organizations stepping up to help each other and the community. We want to share your upcoming events and highlight your good works. Please send updates to espies@DestinChamber.com .
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