June 18, 2024

Good morning, Elizabeth!

Please note our office will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

The Barrett School Is Newest Trustee

Welcome to our newest Trustee member The Barrett School! The Barrett School now joins the exclusive list of members at the highest membership tier, including the following:

• AGM Secure Money,LLC,

• Bit-Wizards,

• BOTE,

• CRC Data Technologies,

• Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourist Development,

• Eglin Federal Credit Union,

• Five Channels,

• Gateway Payment Technologies,

• Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC,

• HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital,

• Holloway Yacht Charters, LLC,

• Okaloosa Gas,

• The Palms Bistro,

• Trustmark and 

• Warren Averett, LLC.

The Barrett School's mission is to cultivate a diverse community of learners, from Pre K through 12th grade, by harnessing the power of hands-on STEM education, integrated with play theory and the boundless classroom of the outdoors. 

Because of their significant investment in this Chamber and our community, we can continue to build this world-class community one business at a time!

Patrick Berry Named Business Person of the Quarter

During the Destin Chamber’s June 14 Business Before Hours Sponsored by Holloway Yacht Charters, Patrick Berry (left), Senior Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, was honored with the Chamber’s Business Person of the Quarter Award. This award is presented directly from the Chamber’s Board of Directors to a Destin area businessperson showing vision for his or her business and leadership in our community. Berry is pictured with 2024 Chamber Chairman Christian Carlee of Trustmark.

Read more here.

Florida Institute for Political Leadership Hosts Virtual Campaign School & Community Leadership Training

This 2-part online training school is scheduled for June 18 - 19, from 5:30-8 p.m. (ET) each day. The online training school is highly recommended for candidates and anyone interested in running for local or state office, serving their community, or managing campaigns. It is open to everyone, free to attend, and non-partisan. Participants are welcome to attend any or all days offered.

FIPL Campaign School & Leadership Trainings provide a comprehensive briefing on emerging local and state issues, teach attendees what local opportunities are available for appointed or elected positions, offer guidance on how to prepare to run for office, and provide training on how to run winning campaigns.

Register at www.FIPL.org/Register.

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 who helped shape it, exploring issues with those who are helping to solve them, and hearing from those who 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.

For the application and details, please click here.

Perks of Your Chamber Membership

Affordable Health Insurance for Your Employees

• ACA-Compliant Group Health Benefits Solution
• Healthiest You by Teladoc

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

Power Hours With Kevin: Free Business Consulting

Thursday, March 14 | 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.

Destin Chamber's 11th Annual Great American Cookout Sponsored by Community Bank and Emerald Coast Title Services

Tuesday, July 16 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Location: Destin Chamber

Registration required.

We are firing up the grill and will be cooking hamburgers and hotdogs at the Chamber. Come join us for a celebration of the summer. Our non-profit spotlight is Fisher House of the Emerald Coast.

Military Affairs Council (MAC) Meeting

Wednesday, August 7 | 11:30 a.m. - 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 Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center

Friday, August 9 | 7:30 - 9 a.m.

Location: Destin - Fort Walton Beach Convention Center

Registration and payment required.



Come enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by the DFWB Convention Center's new chef, and learn how to Be the Office Rockstar with AI, presented by Sam Blowes, Director of Solution Consulting with Bit-Wizards. Sam will teach you how to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and present some applicable practices safe for the workplace.

Ladies Who Launch Powerhouse Women Series Sponsored by Stretch Zone: Monica Wallis, P.E., Destin Water Users

Wednesday, August 14 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Location: Destin Chamber

Registration required.



Ladies Who Launch is continuing its Powerhouse Women Series, highlighting impactful women in our community. The August 2024 Powerhouse Woman is Monica Wallis, P.E., Operations Manager for Destin Water Users, Inc.

Thank you to sponsor Stretch Zone for providing lunch to our guests!

The Barrett School

Carrot Top Designs

Holland Spine and Sport

Timothy Tuel, MD

• A 2 Z Specialty Advertising
• Ben & Jerry's
• Camping On The Gulf 
• Cavinder Elevator Company
• Marie Di Giovine, Officiant - Wedding/Vow Renewal Ceremonies

• OWN, Inc.
• Pinkie Flamingo & Friends LLC
• Prime Plumbing Services
• Progressive Management of America, Inc.
• Seaside Premium Cabinets

June 20 - Carrot Top Designs

Congratulations to Azul Mexican Fusion on last week's ribbon cutting celebration!

Tuesday, June 18

Sunset Camp 2024

Grand Boulevard Features Bal Harbour Shops Pop-up High Tea

Florida Institute for Political Leadership Virtual Campaign School & Community Leadership Training

Havana Nights at HarborWalk Village

ECCAC Volunteer Orientation

Boomin' Tuesdays

Wednesday, June 19

Wellness Wednesday at HarborWalk Village

Join the Banking Door Team for a Lunch & Learn: The Real Estate Agenda & Loan Officer Money Show

Wednesday Night Concert Series at The Village of Baytowne Wharf

Thursday, June 20

Florida SBDC at UWF Presents “A Roadmap to Small Business Funding”

Power Hours With Kevin: Free Business Consulting

Grand Boulevard Features Bal Harbour Shops Pop-up Apres Golf

Carrot Top Designs Ribbon Cutting

Sunset Camp 2024

Thursdate at Melting Pot

Darts & Music at the American Legion Post 296

Little Black Dress Night at Marina Cafe

Fly Guy Thursday

All American Thursday at HarborWalk Village

Friday, June 21

Grand Opening - Carrot Top Designs

Ballroom Dancing for Adults

Karaoke at American Legion Post 296

Saturday, June 22

Grand Boulevard’s Farmers’ Market

Baytowne Wharf Farmers Market

Spring Farmers Market Series

Beat the Heat Concert Series at HarborWalk Village

Sunday, June 23

Scallywag Sunday

Sunday Breakfast at American Legion Post 296

Sunday Brunch at Soleil

Grand Boulevard Features Ball Harbour Pop-up Take A Beat Sunday Brunch

Monday, June 24

Bingo Fundraiser at American Legion Post 296

Silent Disco at HarborWalk Village

Movie Monday at The Village of Baytowne Wharf

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.

Gulfarium’s Patrick Berry Honored as Destin Chamber’s Business Person of the Quarter

Azul Mexican Fusion Offers Delicious Food with Beautiful Harbor View

Hello Frances Podcast: Community Connections: Inside The Scout Guide with Heidi and Peyton

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida Announces 2024 Virginia Thomas Big of the Year in Bay County

Read the June 2024 Issue of VIP Destin Magazine

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Announces Broadway's Lulu Picart as the Musical Director for Musical Theatre Intensive

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents Comedy at the Boulevard June 28

Northwest Florida State College Partners with Knack to Ensure Students Have Easy Access to High-Impact Tutoring

Kids Tag Art Award Winners

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