November 24, 2020
Greetings!
Our office will be closed on Thursday - Friday, Nov. 26 - 27, for the Thanksgiving holiday. We hope you have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

As you begin to prepare your holiday shopping list, please remember that your dollars make a difference in our local communities. Shop local first!
Habitat
Would You Like to Recognize Your Outstanding Boss or Coworker?
We are now accepting nominations for the 2020 Business Person of the Year and Ann Gibson Community Service Award! Nominations are due by Dec. 4. The awards will be presented at the Awards Party on Jan. 28, at Embassy Suites Destin - Miramar Beach. 

Recent past Business Person of the Year winners include Mitch Mongell, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center; Bill Lindsley, SimpleHR; Bob Perry, Destin Commons; and Kim Wintner, Alliance Association Management Co. Inc.
 
Recent Ann Gibson Community Service Award winners include Allen French, Trees on the Coast; Jerry Sullivan, Century 21 Blue Marlin Pelican; Dion Moniz, Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC; and Jason Belcher, FNBT Bank.
New Study Shows COVID's Impact on Florida's Small Businesses
The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, Florida Chamber Foundation, and University of West Florida Haas Center just released The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Florida’s Small Businesses, a new study examining the impact of the coronavirus on the state’s small businesses and the extent of damage to their business operations. Read the report here.
Time is Running Out for Okaloosa Cares Funding
Through the Federal CARES Act funding, Okaloosa County and all the cities within it have joined together to offer a variety of grants and other programs to help our communities cope with the effects of COVID-19. While most of the application periods have expired, three grants are still available. To apply now, visit okaloosacountycares.com. 

Grant types include the following:
1. Individual Medical CARES Grant - Application period closes Nov. 30.
2. Housing Assistance CRF Grant - Application period closes Dec. 1.
Destin Water Users, Inc.
Do You Need Masks For Your Business?
Thank you to the Florida Department of Health of Okaloosa County for providing masks for us to distribute to our members! If you would like to pick up masks for your place of business, please email espies@DestinChamber.com to arrange the quantity and pickup.
Current COVID-19 Data Now Available on DestinChamber.com
Visit our website for up-to-date, local COVID-19 metrics.














Want to see your business news, blogs and awards listed here? Send your updates to espies@DestinChamber.com.
Military Affairs Council (MAC) Meeting
Wednesday, December 2 | 12 - 1 p.m.
Destin Chamber

Our guest will be Col. Mathew Hanson, Commander of the 96th Medical Group (Eglin AFB Hospital).
Florida SBDC Virtual Office Hours at the Destin Chamber
Thursday, December 3 | 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.
Bowling for Business Tournament & Lunch
Friday, December 4 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Hurricane Lanes

How about a mini-bowling tournament, mixed with a little business networking, for your Dec. 4 lunch break? We are challenging members to a Bowling for Business Tournament. We will award prizes to top male, top female, and top team, and a perfect score will win a FREE 1-year Chamber business membership! 
Business After Hours Sponsored by BOTE
Thursday, December 17 | 5 - 6:30 p.m.
BOTE Destin

Join us for a fun holiday celebration! The event begins at 5 p.m., and culminates with door prizes at 6:30 p.m. Delicious appetizers will be provided by AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar, and one lucky person will win their choice of a hard or inflatable BOTE Paddleboard. What a gift to tuck under your tree on Christmas morning!
Thank you to our renewing members!
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