Hello!
Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 50 into law. Online retailers that are doing more than $100,000 in business in the state are now required to collect sales tax. This levels the playing field between brick-and-mortar businesses that pay sales tax and other taxes in Florida and their online competitors. The bill also eliminates a $713 million unemployment tax increase on Florida job creators and creates a schedule to deposit general revenue to replenish the unemployment trust fund to its pre-pandemic balance. Once the trust fund is flush, the bill provides a 3.5 percent decrease in the Florida-only business rent tax. This bill is a win-win-win for Florida’s business community!
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City of Destin to Host Crosstown Connector Workshop
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Congratulations to our Ambassador of the Quarter!
Brenda Gray of the Hilton Garden Inn - Destin/Miramar Beach won Ambassador of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2021! She is seen here with Chairman Jerry Sullivan of Century 21 Blue Marlin Pelican, who presented the award during our April 9 Business Before Hours. The Ambassador of the Quarter is chosen through a combination of points and votes from other Ambassadors.
Congratulations, Brenda! We appreciate all that you do to help us make Destin the BEST place to live, work and play.
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What Can A Startup Community Do for You?
1 MILLION CUPS is a free, nationwide program designed to educate, engage and accelerate early-stage startups. Drop in on this community of innovators and entrepreneurship enthusiasts to connect and support local startups. The meetings, which are always free and open to the public, are held every Wednesday, from 9 - 10 a.m., at the Doolittle Institute, 1140 E John Sims Pkwy. Ste. 1, in Niceville. For details, visit www.1millioncups.com/okaloosacounty.
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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.
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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
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Save $ On Office Supplies
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Florida SBDC Virtual Office Hours at the Destin Chamber
Thursday, April 29 | 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.
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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.
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Young Professionals Sunset Social at Concerts in the Village: M-80s
Thursday, May 13 | 6 - 9 p.m.
Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village
Join the Young Professionals of Destin for a Sunset Social at the Concerts in the Village featuring the M-80s! Registration is requested. A $10 entrance fee will be payable at the gate.
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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! We'll learn more about this beautiful state park and the City's Leave No Trace Program, while enjoying the beach view.
If you are registered for breakfast, there is no fee to enter the park that morning. In case of bad weather, our backup location is the Destin Chamber.
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Tourism & Hospitality 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.'
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Progressive Business After Hours at Regatta Commons
Thursday, May 27 | 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Start at the Destin Chamber
Guests will check-in at the Destin Chamber and will receive a map to explore other businesses and delicious food and beverages around the office park. Thank you to Destin Brewery, Destin Custom Home Builders, Emerald Coast Business Intermediaries, Emerald Grande, HomeFi Digital Mortgage, Kombi Keg, Matthews & Jones LLP and Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club!
Cost is $5 for members.
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Thank You To Our Renewing Members |
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