June 14, 2022
Good morning!
Did you know that the Okaloosa County unemployment rate is now 1.9%? Its poverty rate is 10.7% and its graduation rate is 92.2%. How does that compare to the rest of the state? Check out TheFloridaScorecard.org to view these statistics and much more.
Engage Paddlers & Spectators With Sponsorship of 10th Annual Paddle at the Park Sponsored by HCA Florida Destin Emergency
Set for Aug. 20, the 10th Annual Paddle at the Park Sponsored by HCA Florida Destin Emergency will take place on the beautiful white sandy shores and emerald green Gulf waters of Henderson Beach State Park. The event features 1- and 3-mile recreational races, the 6-mile elite race for the official Destin SUP Cup, and a kids' out-and-back fun paddle.


Thank you to our race partners BOTE and Henderson Beach State Park; title sponsor HCA Florida Destin Emergency; silver sponsor Destin Life; and accommodations sponsor Vacasa!

Want to join the fun? Download our sponsorship form here or contact Dana at dana@DestinChamber.com.
One Okaloosa EDC Seeks Input From Local Businesses
One Okaloosa EDC is gathering community feedback in advance of the development of its 2023-2025 Strategic Plan. Please take this short survey to share your thoughts about the local economy, its challenges and its opportunities.
Want Your Business Seen? Advertise on DestinChamber.com!
DestinChamber.com averages more than 56K page views each month. Advertising packages can be tailored to your business' goals. Home page spots are available.

Contact Elizabeth at espies@DestinChamber.com or (850) 837-6241 for more information.
Destin Forward 2022
Destin Forward Offers In-Depth, Hands-On Learning Experience
Destin Forward, our community education and leadership program, 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.

The class of 2023 is already filling up! For the application and details, please click here.
Running For Office? Florida Institute for Political Leadership Offers Campaign School
Find available dates and registration here. Political candidates can participate in any of the classes and do not need to wait for a particular region.
Save the Date for our 2022 Signature Events

Sponsorships are available! Contact Dana at dana@DestinChamber.com for details.
Ready To Add New Employees To Your Team?
Check out our Job Board! To add your own job listing, log into our Member Portal. If you need your login information, send us an email at mail@DestinChamber.com.
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%.
Ladies Who Launch Powerhouse Women Series: Laura Hussey
Wednesday, June 15 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Destin Chamber

On June 15, Laura Hussey of WEAR Channel 3 News shares lessons learned during her more than 25 years of broadcasting experience, including her current role as morning anchor at Channel 3 News.
Shop Talk Thursdays
No Cost Business Consulting
Thursday, June 16 | 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Destin Chamber
 
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
Young Professionals of Destin Sunset Social at Concerts In The Village: Boogie Wonder Band
Thursday, June 23 | 6 - 9 p.m.
Location: Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village

Enjoy a night under the stars at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village. Bring a bottle of wine, your favorite craft beer, some delicious snacks, and a blanket or chair. Food and drinks are available for purchase. Cost is $10 to attend.
9th Annual Great American Cookout Sponsored by Community Bank and Emerald Coast Title Services
Tuesday, July 12 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Destin Chamber
 
Enjoy networking and a cookout at the Chamber. Our non-profit spotlight is Fisher House of the Emerald Coast.
Community Events
Ongoing Through Sunday, August 28

Ongoing Through Wednesday, August 3

Ongoing Through Friday, July 29

Ongoing Through June 30

Ongoing Through June 17

Tuesday, June 14

Wednesday, June 15

Thursday, June 16

Friday, June 17

Saturday, June 18

Sunday, June 19

Monday, June 20 - Friday, June 24

Monday, June 20

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.
June 16 - Sea Market
Congratulations to The Edge Seafood Restaurant and SkyBar on last week's ribbon cutting celebration!
Thank You To Our Renewing Members
DestinChamber.com | (850) 837-6241