October 15, 2019
Greetings!
Would you like tips and tricks to build your social media audience?

Do you worry whether your business data and client information are truly protected from cyber attacks?

Is your business even a target?

Do you have a recovery plan in place in case the worst happens? 

Meant for business owners and employees of ALL skill levels, the first Destin Business Technology Summit / BizTech, scheduled for Oct. 30, will be chock full of information you need to know to grow and protect your business. View the full BizTech agenda here.

The early bird rate of $40 for Destin Chamber members is available until Oct. 24. Limited seating is available. Please register for BizTech here.

Thank you to presenting sponsor Cox Business , breakout sponsor Warren Averett , reception sponsor Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association , booth sponsors Kloud 7 and Planet Secure , and media sponsor Land Air Sea Productions !
Will a $15/hour Minimum Wage Help Florida Workers?
On July 18, 2019, the US House passed HR582, which raises minimum wage to $15/hour by 2024 and eliminates the tip credit. Visit frla.org/mininum-wage to read why the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) opposes this bill. One FRLA Northeast Chapter Member and Florida restaurant owner gives his personal take here.
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.
This week's Shop Talk Thursday with the Florida SBDC at the Destin Chamber has been canceled. The next office hours at the Destin Chamber will be Thursday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
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 SunDestin Beach Resort!
Thursday, October 24 | 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Rosada Bar & Grill

Enjoy building better business connections over a beautiful beach view, cocktails, and food catered by 790 on the Gulf . Door prizes are welcome!
Destin Business Technology Summit / BizTech
Wednesday, October 30 | 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: The Henderson
Along with presenting sponsor Cox Business , 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. The early bird rate for Destin Chamber members expires Oct. 24. See our tentative agenda here.
 
Thank you to presenting sponsor Cox Business , breakout sponsor Warren Averett , booth sponsors Kloud 7 and Planet Secure , and media sponsor Land Air Sea Productions !
Business Before Hours Sponsored by University of West Florida Emerald Coast
Friday, November 8 | 7:30 - 9 a.m.
Location: LuLu's

Join us for Business Before Hours sponsored by University of West Florida Emerald Coast and featuring non-profit partners Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast and Children In Crisis ! Start your day with a beautiful bay view, a hearty breakfast, and networking.
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
Tourism Committee Presents A 2020 Common Sense Service Strategy to Build Your Business
Thursday, October 24 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club

World recognized service expert Teresa Allen will share insights into how to meet and exceed guest service expectations through lagniappe hospitality, customize service for varied guest personalities and generations, and make it right when things go wrong.
Fashion, Food & Wine With Ladies Who Launch & Sponsors Today's Fashion Boutique & Half Shell Oyster House
Wednesday, November 13 | 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Today's Fashion Boutique

DestinChamber.com | (850) 837-6241