April 20, 2021
Hello!
Did you know that the Okaloosa County unemployment rate is now 4%? Its poverty rate is 10.9% and its graduation rate is 90%. How does that compare to the rest of the state or our surrounding counties? Check out TheFloridaScorecard.org to view these statistics and much more.
Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program Public Workshop Series
Please join the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program on May 11, at 6 p.m., for an interactive virtual workshop to share your thoughts on the importance, concerns, and needs of your local waterways. The Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program, the University of Florida and the University of West Florida will be hosting this workshop to help shape priorities for management strategies of the Choctawhatchee Bay Watershed.

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."
Skip Overdier, Destin City Councilman

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.
Florida SBDC Virtual Office Hours at the Destin Chamber
Thursday, April 22 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Virtual

The Florida SBDC at UWF is hosting virtual consulting hours specifically for business owners in our area. Florida SBDC at UWF Business Consultant Diana Jernigan is available by email for impromptu meetings assisting with business challenges or opportunities.
Business After Hours Sponsored BOTE
Thursday, April 22 | 5 - 6:30 p.m.
BOTE Destin

Enjoy delicious appetizers from AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar, live music by Dan & Becca of Black Eyed Blonde, and a free gift from BOTE. One lucky person will win his or her choice of a hard or inflatable BOTE Paddleboard.

Cost is $5 for members.
Military Affairs Council (MAC) Meeting
Wednesday, May 5 | 12 - 1 p.m.
Destin Chamber

TSgt Jennifer Benenhaley from the 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron will share her story, as well as a little bit about the 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron and the 1st Special Operations Wing.

Anyone is welcome to attend. There is no charge.
Business Before Hours on the Beach
Friday, May 14 | 7:30 - 9 a.m.
Henderson Beach State Park

Please join us for our May 14 Business Before Hours on the beach! Learn more about the City's Leave No Trace program and enjoy the beautiful beach view.

If you are registered for breakfast, there is no fee to enter the park that morning.
Tourism & Hospitaliaty Lunch: Creating a Digital Tourist Trap for your Brand
Wednesday, May 19 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location to be announced

The tourists are here. Now what? How do you get them into your business? Jason Hall, Founder and CEO of Five Channels, will explain how to 'Create a Digital Tourist Trap for your Brand.' 
Thank You To Our Renewing Members
DestinChamber.com | (850) 837-6241