July 20, 2021

Hey! Today is the special election to fill the Destin City Council seat vacated by Skip Overdier. Thank you and good luck to the candidates - Jim Bagby, John Green and Bobby Wagner! If you live in the Destin city limits, please do not forget to vote.

Florida's Economy Grows to 15th Largest in the World, Up From 17th COVID changed the world and the global economy, and the new numbers for 2020 are out, showing Florida's growth compared to the rest of the world. While it may be temporary as other world economies are continuing to rebound from the global pandemic, Florida has moved up two slots from 17th to 15th largest global economy - if Florida were a country. It overtook Indonesia and Mexico. This jump can be attributed to the fact that Florida's economy has recovered more quickly than both the US economy and many countries' economies. Among other diverse economic growth, Florida's economy has added manufacturing jobs (+6.0%), while the U.S. lost them (-1.7%), landing at #2 in total manufacturing job creation over the past 5 years, and #5 in growth rate.

Gulf Power to Host 24th Annual Economic Symposium Gulf Power will hold its 24th Annual Economic Symposium on Sept. 14 - 15, at the Sandestin Golf and Bech Resort. This year’s symposium will feature nationally-known speakers who will motivate, excite and “change up” the way we think and do business to ensure continued success for the future of Northwest Florida. Register here.

Last Chance to Apply to Destin Forward Community Education & Leadership Program Destin Forward is designed to get you out into the community, interacting with city and business leaders, learning about the history and heritage from those that helped shape it, exploring issues with those that are helping to solve them, and hearing from those that are in the trenches improving lives and the quality of place we enjoy. After a retreat in August, the class will meet once per month through April focusing on topics, such as the environment, waterways, history, tourism promotion, real estate, non-profits, transportation, government affairs, entrepreneurship, and more. For the application and details, please click here. Applications are due now.

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.

Hello Frances Podcast: Getting Through Customer Reviews Buccaneer Pirate Cruise Announces Pirate, Dolphin & Fireworks Cruise Weekly Schedule July 19 - 25, 2021 Southern Star Dolphin Cruise Announces Pirate, Dolphin & Fireworks Cruise Weekly Schedule July 19 - 25, 2021 Destin Library Closing for Conversion to New Software Chairman Carolyn Ketchel Presented with FAC Presidential Advocacy Award How to Start your Business and Grow it the Right Way NWFSC Student Wins National Championship at SkillsUSA International Business Brokers Association Recognizes Local Business Broker Christen Cowgill Newest ECCAC Board Member Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center Successfully Releases Nine Rehabilitated Sea Turtles Hello Frances Podcast: Discovering Wonder with Diane Fraser and the Emerald Coast Science Center Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Presents 2021 Fall Concerts in the Village Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast Announces Open Registration for Fall After School Program Want to see your business news, blogs and awards listed here? Send your updates to espies@DestinChamber.com.

Free Business Consulting With Florida SBDC Wednesday & Thursday, July 21 - 22 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Destin Chamber Find details here. Florida SBDC at UWF Business Consultant Diana Jernigan is available every Wednesday and Thursday at the Destin Chamber for impromptu meetings assisting new and existing businesses with challenges and opportunities. These meetings are confidential and at no cost to you.

Military Affairs Council (MAC) Meeting Wednesday, August 4 12 - 1 p.m. Destin Chamber Find details here. Amanda Negron, Executive Director of the HSU Educational Foundation, will speak.

Free Business Workshop: Starting a Business Thursday, August 12 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Destin Chamber Register here! We will take an in-depth view of your business concept and discuss the steps to a successful start: Is there a need for your product or service? Can you make money at it? Are you the right person to bring this to market? Is this business compatible with your personal goals? What rules, laws and licensing apply to your business?

Business Before Hours Sponsored by Fort Walton Beach Medical Center Friday, August 13 | 7:30 - 9 a.m. Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village Registration and prepayment required! Please join us for our Aug. 13 Business Before Hours Sponsored by Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and featuring non-profit partner Shoreline Church.

August 5 - Destin High School August 19 - Cissy's Cafe October 7 - Renasant Bank October 14 - BayView Private Wealth

Thank You To Our Renewing Members

A 2 Z Specialty Advertising Affordable Home Insurance, Inc. Allstate Insurance - Mike Cheney Beach Bank Beach Liquors

Destin Harbor Dental Jamison L. Plantz, DMD, PA Duncan McHugh Investments Green Earth Southeast Shoppes at Paradise Key

DestinChamber.com | (850) 837-6241

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