January 3, 2023

Happy New Year, Elizabeth!

According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, "November [2022] marks two consecutive years (24 straight months) that Florida’s unemployment rate has remained below the nation’s. Florida also continued to exceed the national job growth rate for the 20th consecutive month in November 2022. Florida’s private sector employment increased by 28,100 jobs (+0.3 percent) over the month in November 2022 and total private sector employment increased by 420,700 jobs (+5.2 percent) over the year in November 2022. Florida employers have added jobs for 31 consecutive months in November 2022."

For more Florida metrics, visit TheFloridaScorecard.org.

Perks of Your Chamber Membership

Affordable Health Insurance for Your Employees

We are pleased to offer an ACA-compliant group health benefits solution that offers premium savings from 10-20% compared to traditional carrier plans. View details here.

Healthiest You by Teladoc is a high-quality virtual care solution designed to serve businesses and their employees who cannot afford traditional health insurance. View details here.

Savings On Your Email Marketing Program

As a chamber member, you receive some great benefits from our partnership with Constant Contact, including special savings on email marketing. Click here to see how you can save up to 25%.

Save $ On Office Supplies

Did you know Destin Chamber members save money on office supplies by ordering online with Office Depot? Visit https://odams.officedepot.com/registrations/portal.php?a=66487355 to sign up.

No Cost Business Consulting

Thursday, January 5 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Destin Chamber

Find details here.

Florida SBDC at UWF Business Consultant Diana Jernigan will be available for impromptu meetings assisting with business challenges or opportunities. These meetings are confidential, no-cost, and allow you skip the traditional wait period after you request consulting from the Florida SBDC.

Young Professionals of Destin Sunset Social Sponsored by Beach Liquors

Thursday, January 12 | 5 - 7 p.m.

Location: Beach Liquors

Registration and payment are required.

Start 2023 with new connections, friends and opportunities! Join the Young Professionals of Destin and our sponsor Beach Liquors for the first Sunset Social of the year. 

Business Before Hours & Annual Membership Meeting

Friday, January 13 | 7:30 - 9 a.m.

Location: LuLu's Destin

Registration and payment are required.

Please join us as the gavel is passed to our 2023 Chairman of the Board Jason Belcher of FNBT Bank, and our 2023 Board of Directors is inducted.

Tourism & Hospitality Lunch: Focus on Ecotourism with Alex Fogg

Wednesday, January 18 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Location: The Palms Coffee House & Sports Lounge

Registration and payment are required.

Okaloosa County's Coastal Resource Manager Alex Fogg will talk ecotourism and his work with lionfish, artificial reefs and more.

Business After Hours Sponsored by Melting Pot

Thursday, January 26 | 5 - 6:30 p.m.

Location: 11394 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin

Registration and payment are required.



Join us for networking, cocktails, appetizers and door prizes!

Brookdale Destin

Coastal Accounting of NW Florida, PA

Home Outlet - Fort Walton

• CRYO850 Performance and Recovery Center
• Emerald Coast Title Services, LLC
• Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC

• Idyll Hounds Brewery, LLC
• IndyShark Consulting
• Mathnasium of Destin
• Veal Convention Services, Inc.

January 17 - Youth Village's Remodeled Playground

January 19 - Crumbl Cookies

January 24 - Elevated Laundry

Tuesday, January 3

Music Bingo at Fatboys

Thursday, January 5

No-Cost Business Consulting with the Florida SBDC at UWF

Darts & Music at the American Legion Post 296

Ladies Night at McGuire's Destin

Saturday, January 7

Karaoke at American Legion Post 296

Grand Boulevard’s Farmers’ Market

Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin presents Winter Wonderland

Baytowne Wharf Farmers Market

Sunday, January 8

Sunday Breakfast at American Legion Post 296

Melodies & Mimosas

Shirley Simpson as Minnie Pearl

Monday, January 9

Bingo Fundraiser at American Legion Post 296

If you would like your event listed here, please submit it to the Events Calendar at DestinChamber.com. Be sure to include your company name, as we only publish events of Destin Chamber members.

Food For Thought Volunteers serve over 1400 Families over Thanksgiving and Christmas

Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon Employees Lead Holiday Initiatives for the Local Community

Save The Dates For Sinfonia Gulf Coast Annual Fundraiser Crescendo! 2023: A Cultural & Culinary Extravaganza!

All Sports Association Donates $50,000 to Support Okaloosa Student-Athletes

Florida Power and Light Company Donates $20,000 to Okaloosa County Public Schools Foundation Teacher Grant Program

Want to see your business news, blogs and awards listed here? Send your updates to espies@DestinChamber.com.