Warren Averett Banner Ad June 2020
June 16, 2020
Greetings!
Tomorrow, join us for the Northwest Florida Career Fair , which is free to businesses and job seekers, and Ladies Who Launch , which will continue our Powerhouse Women Series. Follow the links or see below for details.
SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Advance Program REOPENED
SBA’s EIDL program offers long-term, low interest assistance for a small business or non-profit. These loans can provide vital economic support to help alleviate temporary loss of revenue. EIDL assistance can be used to cover payroll and inventory, pay debt or fund other expenses. Additionally, the EIDL Advance will provide up to $10,000 ($1,000 per employee) of emergency economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties, and these emergency grants do not have to be repaid. Find details here.
What Do You Do If You Receive PPP Loan & Employee Refuses to Return to Work?
The Small Business Administration recently issued guidance on how businesses can prevent loan forgiveness amounts from being reduced if employees decline an offer of reemployment after being furloughed, laid off or hours reduced. The business must make a good faith, written offer to rehire the employee or restore hours to the employee for the same salary or wages and same number of hours. If the employee rejects returning to work, the business must maintain records documenting the offer and its rejection. The SBA also requires the business to inform the state unemployment insurance office (in this instance, DEO) of the employee’s rejected offer of reemployment within 30 days of the employee’s rejection. Employers can do this by logging into the CONNECT Portal or calling the Employer Contact Line at the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity at 1-833-352-7759.  
Career Fair June 2020
Destin Forward Offers In-Depth Learning Experience of our Community
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."
S kip Overdier, Destin City Councilman

Find details and the application here. $75 scholarships are available upon request.
Current COVID-19 Data Now Available on DestinChamber.com
Visit our website for up-to-date, local COVID-19 metrics.
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.
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 29.8% 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 .
Okaloosa Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing June 2020



















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 .
Powerhouse Women Series: Marcia Hull, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation
Wednesday, June 17 | 12 - 1 p.m.
Virtual Event

In 2020, Ladies Who Launch is highlighting impactful women in our community through the new Powerhouse Women Series. On June 17, Marcia Hull, CEO of the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, will share her love of the arts and preserving the legacy of Destin matriarch Mattie Kelly.
Okaloosa County Commission Candidates Virtual Forum
Tuesday, June 23 | 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Virtual Event

The Destin Chamber Board of Directors is hosting all candidates for the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners for a virtual forum. Do you have a question for the candidates? Please email them to espies@DestinChamber.com or be prepared to post them into the Q&A during the event. You must register to receive login instructions.
Military Affairs Council (MAC) Meeting
Wednesday, July 1 | 12 - 1 p.m.
Destin Chamber
Florida SBDC Virtual Office Hours at the Destin Chamber
Thursday, July 2 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Virtual

Beginning July 2, the Florida SBDC at UWF will begin outreach hours with the Destin Chamber each week through virtual consulting hours specifically for business owners in our area. Florida SBDC at UWF Business Consultant Diana Jernigan will be available by email for impromptu meetings assisting with business challenges or opportunities.
7th Annual Great American Cookout Sponsored by Community Bank & Emerald Coast Title Services, LLC
Tuesday, July 14 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Destin Chamber

Join us for the Great American Cookout at the Destin Chamber! This event is limited to the first 75 guests to register. Prepayment is required, and walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
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