Weekly Wave

December 5, 2023

Good morning, Elizabeth!

The sales tax rate levied on Florida businesses renting or leasing commercial property, also known as the business rent tax (BRT), was reduced from 5.5 to 4.5 percent on Friday, Dec. 1. For more information on how the tax cut could impact your business, click here.

Why it Matters:

This one percent reduction over the next eight months represents a substantial $216 million in savings for local businesses, savings that can be utilized to fuel business growth, generate new employment opportunities, and make meaningful investments in the workforce. The positive impact on Florida’s economy will be even more pronounced with the further reduction in 2024 and, ultimately, the complete repeal of the business rent tax.

Register and prepay for our 2024 breakfasts and lunches, and save $40! In 2024, we will have 10 breakfasts and two lunches. If you attend all of them, the total cost is $290. Prepay for the events by Jan. 31, and your total cost will be $250, saving you a total of $40. To register, please call (850) 837-6241 or email mail@DestinChamber.com.

Mark your calendars! In 2024, breakfast dates are Jan. 12, Feb. 9, March 8, April 12, May 10, June 14, Aug. 9, Sept. 13, Oct. 11, and Nov. 8. In lieu of breakfast, we will hold our Great American Cookout on July 9, and our Bowling for Business Tournament & Lunch on Dec. 6.

Perks of Your Chamber Membership

Affordable Health Insurance for Your Employees

Savings On Your Email Marketing Program

Save up to 25% with Constant Contact

Save $ On Office Supplies

Save on office supplies with ODP Business Solutions

Military Affairs Council (MAC) Meeting

Wednesday, December 6 | 12 - 1 p.m.

Location: Destin Chamber

Find details here.

Our speaker is SMSgt. Remy Voisin, SEL, Commander’s Action Group & DEIA, 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field. Anyone with an interest in the military is invited to attend.

Power Hours With Kevin: Free Business Consulting

Every Thursday | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Location: Destin Chamber

Find details here.

Florida SBDC at UWF Business Consultant Kevin Oster will be available for impromptu meetings assisting with business challenges or opportunities. These meetings are confidential and at no cost to you. No appointment is required; however, you are welcome to email KOster@uwf.edu if you would like to schedule one.

Business Before Hours & Annual Membership Meeting Sponsored by AGM Secure Money

Friday, January 12 | 7:30 - 9 a.m.

Location: TBD

Registration and payment required.

Join us as the gavel is passed to our 2024 Chairman of the Board Christian Carlee of Trustmark, and our 2024 Board of Directors is inducted.

Thank You To Our Renewing Members

Congratulations to the Destin Snowbirds on yesterday's ribbon cutting celebrating the opening of the Roost for the 2023-24 season!

Ongoing through Monday, December 25

Festival of Trees Benefiting 12 Local Charities

Ongoing through Friday, December 8

Homeschool Week

Ongoing through Monday, December 18

Foundations Medical Center 12 Days of Christmas Specials

Tuesday, December 5

Taco & Tequila Tuesday at Mezcal Mexican Grill

Nights of Lights at Baytowne Wharf

Wednesday, December 6

Destin Chamber's Military Affairs Council (MAC) Meeting

Florida SBDC at UWF Presents “Starting a Business” – Navarre

Best Fondue Friends Forever at Melting Pot Destin

Nights of Lights at Baytowne Wharf

Thursday, December 7

Power Hours With Kevin: Free Business Consulting

Thursdate at Melting Pot Destin

Nights of Lights at Baytowne Wharf

Darts & Music at the American Legion Post 296

Friday, December 8 - Friday, December 22

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents A Christmas Carol and a Jingle Jangle Christmas

Friday, December 8

919 SOW Chiefs Group Presents 2nd Winter Whammy 4-Person Scramble

Nights of Lights at Baytowne Wharf

Karaoke at American Legion Post 296

Holiday Pops feat. Tony Award-winning Brian Stokes Mitchell

Saturday, December 9

Grand Boulevard’s Farmers’ Market

Baytowne Wharf Farmers Market

City of Destin Christmas Parade

Holiday on the Harbor | Mistletoe Market

Holiday Arts Gallery

Holiday on the Harbor: Visits with Santa

Holiday Pops Concert at Seaside

Nights of Lights at Baytowne Wharf

Sunday, December 10

Sunday Breakfast at American Legion Post 296

Sunday Brunch at Soleil

Holiday on the Harbor | Mistletoe Market

Holiday on the Harbor: Visits with Santa

Nights of Lights at Baytowne Wharf

37th Annual ‘Holiday on the Harbor’ Lighted Boat Parade

Monday, December 11

Nights of Lights at Baytowne Wharf

Bingo Fundraiser at American Legion Post 296

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.

Hello Frances Podcast: 2023 Insights: Straddling the Present and the Future - Take Away from Entreco

Okaloosa County School District Implements First Annual Angel Tree Program

Read the November 2023 Issue of Destin Life

9 Artists Selected For 6th Underwater Museum Of Art Installation

Okaloosa County EMS Implements New Lifesaving Blood Delivery Program

Step One Automotive Group Announces 25 Days of Giving

Food For Thought Asks for Community to Help Local Food-Insecure Children

Ribbon Cutting Celebrates 2023 Opening of Destin Snowbirds Roost

Want to see your business news, blogs and awards listed here? Send your updates to espies@DestinChamber.com.

DestinChamber.com | (850) 837-6241