September 29, 2020
Greetings!
Economic prosperity, avoiding higher property taxes, and improving every school in Okaloosa County are just some of the benefits of the half cent sales tax on the Nov. 3 ballot. Want to know how the money will be spent? Check out the full list of projects broken down by school.
11 Graduate from Destin Forward, Catherine Card Wins Leadership Award
On Sept. 22, the Destin Chamber celebrated the graduation of 11 business professionals from its 12th Destin Forward class. Though typically held in May, the ceremony was delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions, ensuring class members had time to finish their class project and other program requirements. During the event, the prestigious Destin Forward Leadership Award, chosen by class vote, was presented to Catherine Card, City of Destin.
Destin Water Users, Inc.
Amendment 2
Want to Serve on a Local Mom Panel for Destin-Fort Walton Beach?
The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism organization is dedicated to helping all kids, both local and visiting, experience the outdoors and get out on the water. Between the pandemic, virtual school and the latest social app, we know kids don’t get to safely explore the world around them as much as any of us would like. 
 
To help change this, your help is needed. The Tourism organization is creating a local panel of moms to try out new adventures. It will include approximately 50-75 area moms and their families just like you. Over the next six months, the organization wants to find out what would help you get out and take adventures on the water by testing the experiences (online and in person) and sharing how it could be better for everyone. 
 
Interested in being a part of this panel? Please take this quick survey to learn more.
2019 Golf Tournament
Golf Tournament Tees Off Oct. 1
Our Golf Tournament Sponsored by Renasant Bank tees off with a noon shotgun start on Thursday, Oct. 1. This 4-person scramble takes place at Emerald Bay Golf Club. Keep track of the score with leaderboard sponsor Somerby Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy a cookout with lunch sponsor Cavinder Elevator Company and some time on the practice green and tea with sponsors 360 Blue & Ben & Jerry's. A beverage cart will be making the rounds, thanks to sponsors SimpleHR & Talcon Group, and golfers can enjoy a local brew from 3rd Planet Brewing. We also have a $10,000 hole-in-one prize, thanks to sponsor The Blake at Miramar Beach, a putting contest, and more.

Want to enter a team? Call (850) 837-6241 or email cassy@DestinChamber.com.
Do You Need Masks For Your Business?
Thank you to the Florida Department of Health of Okaloosa County for providing masks for us to distribute to our members! If you would like to pick up masks for your place of business, please email espies@DestinChamber.com to arrange the quantity and pickup.
Current COVID-19 Data Now Available on DestinChamber.com
Visit our website for up-to-date, local COVID-19 metrics.
Florida Census
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 32.8% response rate to the 2020 Census. The state average is 63.2%. Please take time to complete the census today! Call (844) 330-2020 or complete the Census online at www.My2020Census.Gov.




















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.
Florida SBDC Virtual Office Hours at the Destin Chamber
Thursday, October 1 | 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.
Annual Golf Tournament Sponsored by Renasant Bank
Thursday, October 1 | Noon Shotgun Start
Emerald Bay Golf Club

This 4-person scramble sponsored by Renasant Bank takes place at Emerald Bay Golf Club. Keep track of the score with leaderboard sponsor Somerby Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy a cookout with lunch sponsor Cavinder Elevator Company and some time on the practice green and tee with sponsors 360 Blue & Ben & Jerry's. A beverage cart will make the rounds, thanks to sponsors SimpleHR & Talcon Group, and golfers can enjoy a local brew from 3rd Planet Brewing. We also have a $10,000 hole-in-one prize, thanks to sponsor The Blake at Miramar Beach, a putting contest, and more. It will all kick off with a noon shotgun start.

Want to play? Email cassy@DestinChamber.com or call (850) 837-6241.
Why Amendment 2 Is Bad For Business Virtual Q&A
Tuesday, October 6 | 9 - 10 a.m.
Virtual

If passed, Amendment 2 would make Florida the first and only state in the nation with a $15 an hour mandate in its state constitution. How will this affect our local economy? Listen in as Andrew Wiggins, Senior Director of Political Affairs & Coalitions Advocacy for the Florida Chamber of Commerce, explains why Amendment 2 is bad for business and why we must vote no in November. Andrew will also share insights into the upcoming election.
Young Professionals October 2020
Business Before Hours Candidates Forum Sponsored by Century 21 Blue Marlin Pelican
Friday, October 9 | 7:30 - 9 a.m.
Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village

Join us for our Business Before Hours Candidates Forum sponsored by the Century 21 Blue Marlin Pelican and learn more about the candidates running for Destin City Council.
2020 Fall BizTech
Business After Hours Sponsored by Aegean Restaurant
Thursday, October 22 | 5 - 6:30 a.m.
Aegean Restaurant Miramar Beach

Join us for our Oct. 22 Business After Hours Sponsored by Aegean Restaurant in Miramar Beach! There is no charge to attend this event, but we do ask that you register ahead of time so we can ensure we stay within recommended capacity.
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