Weekly Wave

January 17, 2023

Good afternoon, Elizabeth!

At Friday's Business Before Hours and Annual Membership Meeting, we installed Jason Belcher as 2023 Chairman of the Board, installed our 2023 Board of Directors, thanked our 2022 Chairman of the Board Jennifer Gutai Comella and presented some special recognitions. Brenda Gray received the Paul Woolman Ambassador of the Year Award. Fred Fenn was recognized with the James D. Neilson, Sr., Chairman's Award for Volunteer Service. Both Fenn and Bill Head, longtime Chamber Ambassadors and volunteers, were awarded honorary lifetime memberships in appreciation of their many years of outstanding contributions and service to this Chamber.

Read more here.

Top Left Photo (left to right): Jason Belcher, Jennifer Gutai Comella, Chuck Comella

Top Right Photo (left to right): Jennifer Gutai Comella, Brenda Gray

Bottom Photo (left to right): Jennifer Gutai Comella, Bill Head, Fred Fenn, Shane Moody

Destin Chamber Member Appreciation Day Set for February 16

To thank all of our members for their support of this Chamber and the Destin area, the Destin Chamber will celebrate Member Appreciation Day on Thursday, Feb. 16. We will visit every member business in the Destin area with a 2023 Chamber member decal and other membership information. If you would like to help us make deliveries, please email espies@DestinChamber.com.

Okaloosa County School District Parent Climate Survey Available Online

The 2022-2023 Parent Climate Survey is available now. We invite parents and guardians to take a moment to complete this valuable survey about your child's school. We rely on your feedback to continuously improve our schools. You can complete one survey per child enrolled. The survey is available in English and Spanish. Please visit www.okaloosaschools.com.

Early Bird Registration Extended for FPL Northwest Florida Economic Symposium

The FPL Northwest Florida Economic Symposium brings leaders together from across the Panhandle to hear challenging, thought-provoking speakers who spark great conversation, innovation and action, so together, we can continue to move Northwest Florida forward. Register now for the 25th annual event, which will take place on Feb. 28 - March 1, 2023, at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Save $50 on registration with early bird pricing extended through Jan 20, 2023.

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%.

Save $ On Office Supplies

Did you know Destin Chamber members save money on office supplies by ordering online with Office Depot? Visit https://odams.officedepot.com/registrations/portal.php?a=66487355 to sign up.

Tourism & Hospitality Lunch: Focus on Ecotourism with Alex Fogg

Wednesday, January 18 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Location: The Palms Coffee House & Sports Lounge

Registration and payment are required.

Okaloosa County's Coastal Resource Manager Alex Fogg will talk ecotourism and his work with lionfish, artificial reefs and more.

No Cost Business Consulting

Thursday, January 19 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Destin Chamber

Find details here.

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.

Business After Hours Sponsored by Melting Pot

Thursday, January 26 | 5 - 6:30 p.m.

Location: 11394 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin

Registration and payment are required.

Join us for networking, cocktails, appetizers and door prizes!

Military Affairs Council (MAC) Meeting

Wednesday, February 1 | 12 - 1 p.m.

Location: Destin Chamber

Find details here.

Anyone with an interest in the military is invited to attend.

Business Before Hours Sponsored by HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital

Friday, February 10 | 7:30 - 9 a.m.

Location: LuLu's Destin

Registration and payment are required.

Destin Middle School Principal Belinda Small will discuss education and how the business community can best support local students.

Ladies Who Launch Powerhouse Women Series: Lori Kelley, Warren Averett

Wednesday, February 15 | 12 - 1 p.m.

Location: Destin Chamber

Registration required.

In 2023, Ladies Who Launch is continuing its Powerhouse Women Series, highlighting impactful women in our community. Our February Powerhouse Women is Lori Kelley with Warren Averett.

Big Red Café

Gulf Coast Sexual Assault Program

Thank You To Our Renewing Members

January 19 - Crumbl Cookies

January 24 - Elevated Laundry

February 2 - Soleil

February 28 - Klean Wash

Tuesday, January 17

Good Grief Luncheon

Music Bingo at Fatboys

Wednesday, January 18

Overdose Summit

Destin Chamber's Tourism & Hospitality Lunch: Focus on Ecotourism with Alex Fogg

Thursday, January 19

No-Cost Business Consulting with the Florida SBDC at UWF

Crumbl Cookies Ribbon Cutting

The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin presents Bubbly Baytowne

Darts & Music at the American Legion Post 296

Ladies Night at McGuire's Destin

Friday, January 20

Karaoke at American Legion Post 296

Emerald Coast Theatre Company - The Odd Couple

Saturday, January 21

Grand Boulevard’s Farmers’ Market

Baytowne Wharf Farmers Market

Best of the West Jazz Competition

Emerald Coast Theatre Company - The Odd Couple

Get Happy: A Judy Garland Centennial Celebration

Sunday, January 22

Sunday Breakfast at American Legion Post 296

Melodies & Mimosas

Emerald Coast Theatre Company - The Odd Couple

Monday, January 23

Grace For President

Gulfarium Presents Painting under The Sea - Adults Night

Bingo Fundraiser at American Legion Post 296

Emerald Coast Theatre Company - The Odd Couple

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.